Dealing with the devastation of a disaster requires extensive planning and well thought out preparation. Creating a dedicated plan for addressing a disaster response and maintaining records for insurance purposes are the two best ways to begin preparing for a disaster of any kind. For businesses, an organizational plan that addresses things like supplier and distributor logistics, data recovery, employee health and safety, and insurance concerns is extremely important to successful disaster recovery. The benefits to having strong continuity plans for disasters will help reduce delays, minimize data losses, reduce insurance and legal liabilities, and help promote a faster recovery.
PREVENTATIVE PREPARATION
The first step to take when planning a disaster response is to develop a preventative preparation that aims to reduce risks and mitigate damages. While there is little that can be done to actively prevent a natural disaster, other types of disasters like data losses and some types of fires can be prevented. Installing surge protectors, using generators, backing up data, monitoring networks, maintaining fire and smoke alarms, and having a response and evacuation plan in the event of an emergency situation are all good measures to take for preventative preparation.
CORRECTIVE RESPONSES
Beyond preventative preparation, the reality of many disasters is that losses are going to occur and you will need to be able to respond to these. These responses comes down to quickly addressing damages, restoring downed systems, and arranging insurance claims in the immediate aftermath. For the latter, keeping important documentation in a secure place, backing up data, and keeping detailed records of purchases and items damaged or destroyed will facilitate the insurance claims process.
ONGOING ORGANIZING AND PLANNING
The most effective disaster recovery plans are tested and rehearsed. This can mean testing systems security, ensuring data is secure, verifying insurance is sufficient, and coordinating evacuation and emergency response procedures with family or employees. The planning process will vary greatly for individuals and private residences over that of businesses. The revenue aspect makes disaster planning for businesses somewhat different. Organizing plans for communicating with vendors and suppliers and sustaining the operations or getting them going again to ensure revenue continues is the primary focus of business planning for disasters.
On a personal, residential level, this planning is about personal health and safety and ensuring your home is habitable and your possessions safe and recoverable. Make sure you have a plan for safely storing valuables, understand your insurance policy, and keep an emergency response kit with provisions and emergency essentials.