Fast business resumption is difficult to achieve without the right preparedness plan. Hurricane Sandy swept across the Eastern Seaboard last October, but many companies are still feeling the superstorm's effects. With AccuWeather predicting that at least three hurricanes will hit the United States this season, organizations must find the best options for their daily operations and location-specific issues.

Newsday spoke with Anthony Arpino, who owns the eatery Sorrento's on Long Island. Arpino explained to the news source that he has paid $80,000 of his own money to work toward repairing his company. His business interruption insurance did not account for food spoilage—his refrigerators and their contents were completely destroyed during Sandy.

"I've tried to do what I could because I can't lift the store up," Arpino said. "I'm trying to limit the damage if the water comes again."

July 4 was the weekend that Arpino was finally able to reopen his 15-year-old business.

Lucille Wesnofske, regional director of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale State College, told Newsday that Arpino's story is not uncommon. While insurance is an important tool for business owners, they also need a plan to help them recover from natural disasters. It is better to err on the side of caution, she said, and be over prepared. The other possibility is being caught entirely off guard when the unexpected does occur.

Creating a comprehensive business continuity plan will help organizations in the short- and long-term. No owner can predict when natural disasters will occur or how they will impact their company. But, with the right contingency plan in place, business leaders will ensure that they remain operational and profitable.