Preparing Your Small Business for Power Outages: Lessons from Winter Storm Fern

Written by social media manager, Susalyn Bennett

When Storms Hit Close to Home

If you own a small business in Mississippi, Louisiana, or Alabama, severe weather isn’t a question of if — it’s a question of when. From tornadoes and ice storms to hurricanes and unexpected freezes, weather events are part of doing business in the South.

Winter Storm Fern was a recent reminder of just how quickly conditions can change. Many local businesses faced power outages, property damage, and sudden closures, often with little time to prepare. Phones went down, buildings were inaccessible, and customers were left wondering what was open and what wasn’t.

While no one can control the weather, small business owners can take steps ahead of time to reduce disruption, stay visible, and keep customers informed — even when the lights are out and the doors are temporarily closed.

Why Advance Planning Matters

When power is lost and your physical location is unavailable, customers don’t stop looking for information. In fact, that’s often when they search the hardest.

Without a plan:

• Customers may assume you’re permanently closed

• Missed messages can turn into lost trust

• Online silence can hurt your reputation

With a plan:

• You control the message

• Customers know how to reach you

• Your business looks organized and dependable, even during a crisis

Step 1: Create a Simple Storm Communication Plan

You don’t need a complicated system — just clarity.

Before the next storm:

• Decide who is responsible for posting updates

• Choose where updates will be shared (website, Google, social media)

• Write short, ready-to-use messages for:

  • Temporary closure

  • Power outages

  • Repair updates

  • Reopening announcements

Having these messages ready saves time and stress when conditions are already difficult.

Step 2: Make Sure You Can Stay Online Without Power

Even if your building loses electricity, you can still communicate.

Helpful tools to have ready:

• A fully charged smartphone

• One or more portable power banks

• Car chargers for phones or laptops

• A mobile data plan or hotspot

• Cloud-based access to business files and accounts

This setup allows you to post updates, respond to customers, and manage business operations from home, your vehicle, or another safe location.

Step 3: Protect Your Online Presence Before an Outage

Update Your Website Quickly

Make sure:

• Your website is hosted off-site (not tied to your physical building)

• You can log in from your phone

• You know how to add a temporary notice or banner

A simple message like “Our location is temporarily closed due to storm damage, but we’ll share updates here” goes a long way.

Keep Your Google Business Profile Current

For many customers, Google is the first stop.

Before storms:

• Claim and verify your Google Business Profile

• Learn how to mark your business as temporarily closed

• Use the “Posts” feature for updates

This helps prevent confusion and reduces unnecessary calls or visits.

Use Social Media for Real-Time Updates

Social media is often the fastest way to reach customers during a storm.

Best practices:

• Focus on 1–2 platforms you already use

• Pin important updates to the top of your page

• Keep posts short, clear, and honest

Even brief updates reassure customers that your business is still active and paying attention.

Step 4: Communicate Clearly While Your Location Is Closed

Customers understand weather-related closures — what they need is information.

Share:

• Whether your location is closed or partially open

• How customers can contact you

• Which services are still available

• When you’ll provide the next update

Clear communication builds patience and trust during uncertain times.

Step 5: Reopen with Confidence and Consistency

When repairs are complete or power is restored:

• Update your website

• Change your Google Business Profile status

• Post reopening announcements on social media

• Send a short email if you have a customer list

Consistent messaging across all platforms helps customers return quickly and confidently.

A Final Thought for Local Small Businesses

Storms like Winter Storm Fern remind us that preparedness isn’t just about protecting buildings — it’s about protecting relationships. Customers remember businesses that communicate clearly, show transparency, and stay connected even during difficult circumstances.

With a little advance planning, small businesses across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and beyond can weather disruptions more smoothly and come back stronger when the skies clear.

Let’s Get Started

Whether it’s launching a Google Ads campaign, designing a new website, or managing your social media, Mansell Media has you covered. Contact us today to learn how we can take your business to the next level. We’re not just your marketing agency - we’re your partner in success.  📞 601-339-2040 🌐 www.mansellmedia.net