US Chamber Foundation – National Disaster Help Desk
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation manages the National Disaster Help Desk. They activate to support disaster-impacted communities and their businesses, if needed in your recovery effort. They support (not supplant) existing systems and communications between chambers, businesses, non-profits, local/state/federal governments and fill gaps when needed. The Disaster Help Desk can be reached at 888-MY-BIZ-HELP (or 888-692-4943). The Help Desk will provide coordination of information among businesses, local chambers of commerce, nonprofits, government, and disaster recovery specialists. The purpose is to support and enhance existing systems, and facilitate information sharing where there are gaps.
Disaster Quick Guides
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation created the Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Quick Guides to provide local chambers and small businesses with practical tools and resources to help your chamber and your business become better prepared for disasters and better understand what steps to take after an event occurs.
You want information about what to do and/or recovery best practices.
You are in the impact area and want help navigating FEMA, SBA, and other assistance programs.
You are in the impact area and are not sure who to call for a particular need or assistance.
You want to support the recovery process and connect with chambers or businesses in the impacted area.
Wildfire Recovery Donations
When disaster strikes Georgia communities, fast, coordinated response matters.
Those wishing to support storm relief efforts can donate directly to the Georgia Chamber Foundation ,a 501c3, using the secure link below. All proceeds go directly toward local relief and recovery efforts, working in close coordination with local governments, emergency management agencies, and state partners.
The Georgia Chamber Foundation focuses on:
Supporting communities and small businesses impacted by severe weather
Filling immediate gaps during response and recovery
Partnering with trusted local and state emergency agencies to ensure funds are used where they are needed most
This approach allows resources to move quickly, responsibly, and with accountability—helping Georgia communities recover and rebuild stronger. Click the button below to donate.
Winter weather events, even those that bring limited snow or ice, can cause outsized disruptions in Georgia. Facility damage, utility outages, hazardous travel, and business interruptions are common during winter storms due to limited snow-removal infrastructure and rapidly changing conditions.
Taking proactive steps before, during, and after winter weather events can help protect employees, facilities, and continuity of operations.
To support business preparedness, the Georgia Chamber has developed the following resource:
Because winter storm conditions can change quickly, businesses are encouraged to monitor official, real-time guidance from state and federal partners throughout any winter weather event.
These agencies provide up-to-date forecasts, safety guidance, and emergency information as conditions develop.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS:
Resources for Recovery Efforts
We’ve curated a comprehensive PDF filled with clickable links to key resources that support disaster preparedness and recovery efforts across Georgia—helping your business access the tools and information you need, all in one place.
Top 10 Things Georgia Small Businesses Should Do Now
During the height of hurricane and storm season, the Georgia Chamber urges businesses across the state to take proactive steps to ensure preparedness. Don’t wait—now is the time to protect your people, operations, and assets.
Severe weather events can strike with little warning and with devastating impacts on business operations, employees, and local economies. The Georgia Chamber is committed to supporting our members, local chambers of commerce, and communities with timely resources, expert guidance, and rapid response coordination.
Please circulate the following Top 10 Business Preparedness Checklist and encourage others to take proactive measures today:
Business Preparedness Checklist
Update Your Emergency Plan: Ensure employees know evacuation routes, communication protocols, and business continuity steps.
Back Up Important Data: Secure digital and physical copies of critical records, including financial, HR, and client information.
Review Insurance Coverage: Confirm storm and flood protection are included, update inventory lists for claims.
Create a Communications Tree: Set up text/email chains to quickly reach employees, customers, partners, local chambers of commerce, and suppliers.
Prepare a Remote Work Strategy: Test systems to maintain operations if your office is inaccessible.
Build a Supply and Equipment Kit: Include flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, chargers, backup power, and basic tools.
Secure Your Facilities: Trim trees, reinforce windows, clear drains, and elevate equipment in flood-prone areas.
Designate a Disaster Response Lead: Assign someone to monitor storms, execute plans, and communicate updates.
Know Your Recovery Resources: Identify FEMA, SBA, and state-level support before a disaster strikes.
Disaster Preparedness: Emergency Planning Resources: CLICK HERE Linked above is a comprehensive document with forms, checklists, and guidance to help your chamber and community prepare effectively.
Sample Disaster Preparedness Email Template – Checklist: CLICK HERE To help you quickly and easily share resources with your members and local business community, we’ve created an email template to simplify your distribution of emergency planning resources and encourage proactive steps in your community.
Winter Storms & Extreme Cold: Preparation Importance & Procedures: CLICK HERE A single winter event can halt operations, damage property, and endanger employees. This document outlines why winter storm preparation matters and standard preparedness procedures.
JAN. 2026 – Sample Winter Storm Preparedness Email Template: CLICK HERE To help you quickly and easily share resources with your members and local business community, we’ve created an email template that highlights practical steps businesses can take ahead of the storm to protect employees, facilities, and operations.
