2026-10-31 · Space Coast small business

How Should a Brevard County Business Plan Customer Communication for Hurricane Season?

Write a one-page plan before a storm threatens. List who updates what, keep pre-written closing and reopening messages, know how to change Google hours, back up customer records, and keep a paper contact list. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, but NOAA says preparation should start well before it.

What is a customer communication plan?

It is a short document that answers three questions. Who tells customers what? Where do they see it? Who steps in if you cannot? It covers messages only. It is separate from your safety, evacuation, and insurance plans.

What do official sources say about timing?

NOAA says the Atlantic season officially runs June 1 through November 30 and recommends preparing before it begins. NOAA also notes that the internet may not be accessible during or after a storm, so it advises keeping emergency contacts on paper. Follow official National Weather Service and county alerts for safety decisions.

How do you build the plan?

  1. Make a contact list. Keep customers with open jobs, key vendors, and staff on paper and digitally.
  2. Pre-write three messages. Closing, delay, and reopening. AI can draft them, and you approve them.
  3. Choose channels. Google Business Profile, website banner, voicemail greeting, and social media.
  4. Name a backup. Who updates if you are evacuated?
  5. Know your Google options. Special hours work for up to six days in a row. For closures of seven or more days, or an unknown period, mark the profile Temporarily closed.
  6. Back up records. A regional business guide, citing the SBA, advises backing up data and keeping the backup with you if the backup site may be affected.
  7. Update hours first after a storm, so your public listing matches reality.

Which message goes where?

Message When Where
Closing Before the storm Google hours, website, voicemail, social
Delay or limited service During recovery Google, voicemail, direct contact with open jobs
Reopening Once you are open Google hours, website, social

What about texts and email?

Send promotional texts or emails only to people who have agreed, and include opt-outs. Florida and federal rules apply. Practical updates about an open job are different from marketing, but get advice if you automate them. See Fruxd's posts on CAN-SPAM and missed-call follow-up.

Where can you get free help?

The Florida SBDC at Eastern Florida State College offers no-cost consulting and lists disaster preparedness and recovery guidance among its services. It has campuses in Cocoa, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Titusville.

What this won't do

This plan does not protect people or property. It does not replace evacuation orders, insurance reviews, or building preparation. AI cannot know road conditions or your power status.

This post is general legal information, not legal advice. Rules change; talk to a Florida attorney about your situation.

FAQ

When does hurricane season end?

Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30.

How do I show my business as closed on Google?

Use special hours for short changes. Use Temporarily closed for seven or more days.

Can AI write my storm messages?

It can draft them. Check dates, hours, and promises before sending.

Should I post safety instructions?

Link to official alerts instead.

Your next step

Fruxd LLC, an AI studio in Melbourne, FL, can review your public contact and hours setup in a free AI Opportunity Snapshot. Request your free AI Opportunity Snapshot.

Sources

Checked 2026-10-31.

Written by Fruxd.