| By :
Nick Messe
The US Small Business Administration recommends that every business should take steps to prepare for a disaster. It is important to assess the possible risk to you and your company. Ask yourself what are the events, both internal and external, that would disrupt your business operations? Though business disruption can be caused by a major disaster, it only takes a small power outage to bring most companies to their knees. Figure out your company's exposure to the risk of commonplace everyday problems, and escalate the list of possible problems from that point on. What is critical to your business to continue daily operations? Document the functions of your company. Within those functions, find the most vital components that the company must have to continue that function. Now, what is the process for restoring that function and its critical components after operations are disrupted? How would your business continue to operate if the building housing your data center was inaccessible? Or what if your headquarters had to shut down? Find an alternate site. It might well be an small branch office of your company, or at the site of a vendor whose sole purpose is to provide such sites to its customers. Can you relocate your entire business temporarily? For how long? Let's say you've got a complete operational plan to execute in the event of disaster. What about your suppliers? Ask them what plans they have for maintaining the supply chain to your business. Do you have relationships with alternate suppliers? Make sure you don't have all your eggs in one basket. Your business data is more valuable than you can imagine. Data back-up is absolutely vital, not just in the middle of a disaster, but also for a business' daily operation. Check that the automated systems work, and that recovery is possible. Backed-up data should be stored elsewhere than the business, at least fifty miles away in a secure and safe location. Build a phone tree of all employees, clients, and vendors. Let everyone know the standard disaster numbers for the Red Cross, hospitals, ambulances, and the local police and fire departments. Don't forget the simple things. Provide a way for employees to find out what location is now their work site and get there quickly. Check your own photographs and records that would be brought out to claim reimbursement. Meet with your agent to talk about your coverage, and, while you're there, talk about business interruption insurance too, which would replace lost business income. Discuss auto and home insurance too, and even boat insurance -- some businesses do depend on boats to stay in operation. It's obvious that having a plan isn't enough. You have to be sure the plan will work. At least once a year, do a dry run of the plan, and update it as necessary. Make sure your people know what's happening and that they are well informed.
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