Disaster Recovery » Disaster Recovery Template

Can you imagine what would happen to you and your associates if your company was suddenly and unexpectedly forced to close its doors for a few weeks or months? Do you think a disaster could never happen to your company? What would you do if your company was suddenly devastated by an unexpected disaster?

The reality is that only 7% of Americans are actually prepared for a disaster. Nobody expects a disaster to happen to them...that is something that happens to other people and other businesses. Stop and think what kind of disasters could cripple your company and what would be the consequences.

There are two categories for disasters. Disastrous events are either man-made disasters like terrorism or natural disasters such as a storm or fire. Some of these events can happen with little warning and others can not be predicted. When a natural disaster such as a tornado occurs, approximately 60% of businesses affected will never reopen. No matter what type of disaster might occur you can increase the odds that you are not one of the 60% . A recovery plan will help you get your doors reopened quicker. Your lost revenue will decrease the faster you recover. A company needs a written disaster recovery plan. A recovery plan explains the company procedures to follow should a disaster occur.

Every company should stay informed. Listen to the radio, television and read articles that will help in the event you are put in an emergency situation. Read articles that will help you prepare for the types of disasters that could affect your business. What would happen if your main supplier was crippled by a disaster? Where would you be able to obtain the goods you need to sell? You need to have a back up supplier while your main vendor is rebuilding. During bad weather conditions listening to radio and television you will be knowledgeable if the bad weather is approaching and you will have time to prepare. Not all storms can be predicted. Staying informed allows you the time necessary to prepare your company for predicted disasters.

Does your company have an emergency kit? Having a first aid kit in the building is great but everyone must know where to find the kit should the need arise. The Red Cross has created a kit that is available in many stores and may also be purchased on-line. Different disasters would require different products. in a kit. There are a few basic essentials necessary for all emergency kits. Ask yourself, what do I need to stay dry, warm, hydrated, treat minor injuries, signal for help? Don't forget that someone in your company should know how to administer CPR.

Every company must have a written disaster recovery plan. The plan should have a minimum of these components: communication process, security/safety of building and employees and data storage recovery.

The communication policy of your written plan should include procedures for contacting employees, suppliers and customers. Security must include both the security and safety of the building and the employees. You will want to be certain the building is safe to re-enter and inform the staff. Communication should also include the use of phones. Sometimes there are no phone lines. Perhaps the mobile phone towers are down too, know your options. Where is the backup of your computer information stored? Storing the backup in your building would be a bad idea if the building is destroyed.

Have a written plan that is reviewed periodically and distributed to each employee should be standard practice in every business. Employees move around and someone in charge today is not necessarily with the company tomorrow. There are many good websites where businesses can obtain a recovery plan. To obtain a template to create a plan contact www.ZeldaFraden.com. Every business that has a well thought out plan increases their odds that they too will beat the statistics and remain open during their restoration period.

Zelda Fraden
http://www.ZeldaFraden.com

Source: www.a1articles.com