Learn How to Prepare for Disasters During National Preparedness Month
U.S. Small Business Administration • September 4, 2020
Webinar held Wednesday, September 16 at 2 p.m.
This year alone, small businesses nationwide encountered numerous challenges affecting their business operations and employees from COVID-19, wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. These events are reminders that business owners with a plan to protect their organizations from the financial fallout have a greater chance of sustaining any effects caused by a disaster.
September is National Preparedness Month, and this year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make your Plan Today.” Join the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, and the Insurance Information Institute on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m. EDT for a live webinar on preparing for severe weather, future COVID-19 interruptions, and other disasters. In addition to presentations by experts from IBHS and Triple-I, two small business owners will share their stories of how they prepared for and successfully recovered from devastating disasters.
WHAT:
National Preparedness Month Webinar
WHO:
Gail Moraton – Business Resiliency Manager, IBHS
Alison Bishop – Internal Operations Manager at Spry Health, Inc.
Alejandro Contreras – Director, SBA Office of Disaster Assistance
Janice Jucker – Co-Owner, Three Brothers Bakery
Loretta Worters – Vice-President, Media Relations at Triple-I
WHEN:
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m. EDT
The SBA provides disaster recovery assistance following a declared disaster in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.
Mandatory Workshops Scheduled for Applicants
