Nassau Chamber hopes businesses learned from Irene

Most small business owners are heeding officials' warnings to stay home if they can, said Julie Marchesella, president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. The extent of the financial impact the storm will have on small businesses remains to be seen, but those selling supplies and equipment, especially generators, are doing strong business, she said.

"I’m sure that many small business owners are going to be heavily affected," Marchesella said. "I am hoping that FEMA and other resources are going to be available to them. But let’s hope for the least amount of damage as possible."

Marchesella said she hopes that businesses learned from last year's Tropical Storm Irene and adjusted their insurance coverage to necessary levels. At the moment, she's guessing that small business owners are glued to their TV sets.

"Probably the biggest thing is dealing with the aftermath," Marchesella said. "Once we get back to all our locations, we’ll assess the damage we have, and I am sure insurance companies will be busy."