| Fact - A disaster can occur at any time. More | | | | accept that fact then you can take steps to |
| important fact -- There are some very elemental | | | | lessen the impact and be prepared to quickly |
| steps you can take now to lessen the impact on | | | | mitigate the loss. |
| your business. A pipe can burst overnight, a fire | | | | A Disaster Plan: |
| can start in the adjoining office space, a hurricane | | | | Provides a Sense of Security. You have taken the |
| could destroy the building. These are real life | | | | steps to protect your people and your property, |
| situations that are being dealt with daily by | | | | and you will go into it knowing you have |
| companies and individuals around the world. You | | | | immediate resources to start the recovery |
| do not have to live in a hurricane or earthquake | | | | process. And so will your employees, and that will |
| prone area to suffer a major loss in your | | | | go a long way in helping them to recover also. |
| business. Any event that disrupts the flow of | | | | Minimizes the Risk of Delays.Delays mean further |
| normal business functions can negatively impact | | | | damage and more expense. By having |
| your bottom line. | | | | preselected vendors, back-up work locations, |
| Having spent the better part of the last 10 years | | | | emergency phone lists, etc., you can go |
| in the disaster and emergency services industry, I | | | | immediately into action. |
| have really seen the difference having a plan | | | | Lessens Potential Economic Loss. See above. |
| means when you are in a crisis situation. The | | | | Damage can escalate quickly if you are not |
| importance of having a disaster plan can not be | | | | prepared. Mold can begin growing on any water |
| stressed enough. This is a fundamental step that | | | | damaged material within 48 hours. Fines/penalties |
| needs to be part of your business plan (please tell | | | | for missing contracted delivery times can cost |
| me you have one of those!). And, contrary to | | | | thousands in delays and potential client |
| popular belief, you do not have to spend | | | | dissatisfaction. |
| thousands to have a well researched and laid out | | | | Effective disaster response begins with good |
| plan. It can be as big or as small as you need it to | | | | preparation. |
| be. The size and breadth of your operation will | | | | A Disaster Plan Will do Three Things: |
| determine the complexity you need. The most | | | | |
| important thing is that you do something. | | | | 1. Tell You What To Do |
| I am going to give you the bad news first. You | | | | 2. Tell You When To Do It |
| will suffer loss. Resign yourself to it. Whether you | | | | 3. Tell You How To Do It |
| have a pipe break, a fire, or your building is in the | | | | How many of you have a disaster plan? And of |
| path of a hurricane, you will suffer loss. Once you | | | | those, how many know where it is? |