Archives for June 2020

Hurricane Season 2020

June 25, 2020 By

Hurricane season began June 1, and forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting above-normal hurricane activity in 2020, which means there could be three to six major hurricanes this year. With towns along the coast, Texas may face the storms head-on.

Hurricane season brings not only climate concerns but scammers as well. In the home repair business, “storm chasers” are untrustworthy contractors that travel to areas impacted by severe weather and go door to door offering to repair damage for low prices. Then, after receiving payment upfront, these storm chasers either leave without starting the projects or only partially complete it.

Along with the usual concerns associated with hurricane season, 2020 brings a new challenge in the form of COVID-19. NOAA warns that the pandemic can affect your ability to prepare for incoming hurricanes. Use these tips from the National Weather Service (NWS) and your Better Business Bureau to prepare for hurricane season and storm chasers:

  • Check your insurance policy. Checking your insurance before a storm hits can save you time and stress later. Contact your insurance agent to review what your policy covers and if you need more coverage. You should also take a detailed inventory of items in your home to make any necessary claims process more efficient.
  • Create a disaster kit. In the event of a severe hurricane, power may be lost, or roads shut down. Create a kit with bottled water, flashlights, batteries and nonperishable foods. Make sure your kit includes supplies for pets and infants, as well as prescription medications. Visit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at ready.gov/kit for a full list of disaster kit supplies.
  • Prepare your home. Minimize damage by tying or weighing down any items that could get blown away in strong winds. Cover windows and doors with impact-resistant shutters. You should also prepare an evacuation plan with your family in the event you need to leave your home.
  • Watch for storm chasers. After a storm hits and damage has been assessed, be wary of contractors going door to door in your area. Storm chasers often use high-pressure tactics, like offering a great deal that is only available that day. Ask any contractor that comes to your door for references or visit BBB.org to find trustworthy businesses to repair damage to your home or property.
  • Plan ahead. Because of COVID-19, supplies may be low and evacuation plans may need to be adjusted. The sooner you begin preparing for hurricane season, the easier it will be to handle the aftermath.

You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for it! Visit BBB.org to find trustworthy contractors and go to weather.gov/safety/hurricane for more on hurricane safety.

Filed Under: corpus christi city council, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, windstorm insurance

CARES Small Business Relief

June 5, 2020 By

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law with the intent of helping those financially impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses, such as local restaurants and retailers, have struggled due to consumers spending increased time at home. In addition to relief for American workers, employees, and families, the CARES Act provides assistance to small businesses.
While Texas has begun allowing businesses to reopen, the road to recovery will still take time. If your small business is looking to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the CARES Act, here’s the information to keep in mind:

• Paycheck Protection Program. This program provides small businesses with loans to fund employee payments, including benefits, for up to eight weeks. Certain nonprofits can also apply, and funds can be used for paying rent, utilities, and interest on mortgages. Qualifying businesses can also convert the loans to grants, meaning the money will not have to be repaid.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). All businesses with fewer than 500 employees (or more than 500 for certain industries) are eligible to apply for EIDLs. This loan advance can provide up to $10,000 for successful applications, which does not have to be paid back. If your business submits a successful application, the funds will be available within days.

• Business tax changes. Under the CARES Act, certain changes were made for business taxes. These changes include eligibility for employee retention tax credits, delaying payroll tax payments, claiming corporate alternative minimum tax credits, and more. Consult your business’ tax consultant to see which changes apply to your business. If you do not have a consultant, go to BBB.org to find trustworthy tax professionals.

• Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). FFCRA makes changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and sick leave for businesses and their employees. Covered employers must provide up to 80 hours of paid leave to all employees unable to work due to personal quarantine or COVID-19 symptoms. Up to 80 hours at two-thirds of the regular pay rate are provided to those unable to work while caring for a relative due to COVID-19. You can visit the Department of Labor’s website to learn more details about FFCRA.

Small businesses are the heart of communities across America. Encouraging those in your life to shop and eat at small businesses is a great way to stimulate local economies, but the CARES Act strives to provide extra protection for business owners and their employees. Visit the Small Business Administration at SBA.gov to learn more about what CARES can do for your business, and go to BBB.org to search for trustworthy small businesses in your area.

Filed Under: chamber of commerce, corpus christi business, corpus christi jobs, Hurricane Aide