Storms, Power Outages, and Emergencies: Your 5-minute closing plan

Personally, I'm excited about the idea of some "winter weather" this weekend in North Carolina! NC snowstorms are often a nice break with forced family fun, no school, and lots of TV time.

However, professionally (and if the power goes out), it's a real PITA for DAYS.

So, with a winter storm expected to hit the East Coast this weekend, it made me think now is good time to talk about something most business owners don’t plan for until they’re forced to: unexpected closures.

Forecasts are calling for a mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and icy conditions which is EXACTLY the kind of weather that can quickly impact travel of any kind.

If you do need to close, the biggest mistake I see isn’t the closure itself, it’s not telling people you're closed! (Even if the weather is so bad everyone assumes you are closed.)

Customers almost always check online before they leave the house.

Also, sometimes the main roads are FINE, but neighborhoods are bad or parking lots are bad, so customers and clients will begin to WONDER if you're open or not.

If your Google listing, social media, or website don’t reflect what’s happening, frustration sets in fast.

The same goes for your physical space. A locked door with no explanation feels crummy even if it's warranted!

A simple, friendly sign that explains what’s going on, when you expect to reopen, and where customers can find updates goes a long way in maintaining trust.

To make this easier, I’ve put together a quick closure checklist below.

Save it now so you’re not scrambling later — and if you want help creating reusable messages or a simple closing plan for your business, reply to this email!

BEFORE YOU CLOSE (ONLINE)

• Update your Google Business Profile with updated hours or the full closure immediately

• Post on social media (and pin it to the top, if possible)

• Add a website banner or homepage message (even one sentence helps)

• Keep messaging consistent across all platforms

BEFORE YOU CLOSE (ONSITE)

• Post a clear sign on the door

  
  

  Include:

  • Why you’re closed (weather/emergency)

  • When you expect to reopen (or “We’ll update soon”)

  • Where to find updates (Google, Instagram, website)

    
    

ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO UPDATE:

• Update your voicemail or auto-reply

• Notify staff with the same messaging customers will see

• Take a photo of your door sign and share it online

PRO TIP

Create one reusable “We’re Closed Today” message now so next time, it’s a 5-minute update instead of a scramble.