Therefore, it's critical to think about what and whom you depend on to operate your business. What would you do if your key suppliers warehouse was flooded and they couldn't get your order out? What would you do if there was a transportation issue that delayed shipping in and out of supplies and products? Could you recover from days and revenue lost due to not being able to operate your business as usual?

Having a plan in place is critical to your recovery and that plan should include a rainy day fund. I know cash flow can be tight, but I highly recommend putting a little away to help you recover from an unforeseen business closure. I remember when Hurricane Bob came to town. I owned a tour boat operation in Bar Harbor at the time. The boat was too big to be hauled out, so we took her to a safe harbor, secured her mooring and crossed our fingers that she would ride out the storm. Thankfully she did - with minimal damage - but our cash flow took a huge hit as Bob made his visit during the height of the summer tourist season. It could have been much worse - no one was hurt, she was intact and we were back in business in a matter of days. I learned a great lesson that day: Mother Nature is unpredictable and her timing is often the worst. You can't control her - you can only control how you will react and recover. I am hopeful you are recovering from Irene and will now put a little away today for your next rainy day.