Is your organization prepared for a disaster?
Many are still reeling from the loss and devastation in Haiti after the Caribbean country suffered the effects of a massive 7.0 earthquake early last week. And while world relief organizations have already begun to send aid, we know the recovery of this hurting nation will be long and difficult. At Ascensha, we hope for the healing of this nation, and we also hope the tragedy raises awareness concerning natural disaster planning and recovery. Unfortunately, since there is simply no way of accurately predicting when and where disasters like the one in Haiti will strike, it’s imperative to have a working disaster recovery plan in place. For those businesses who don’t already have a plan, here are a few quick steps to get you started.
Be aware of the potential disasters affecting your organization. For instance, in cities like Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro, businesses are subject to natural disasters like flooding, earthquakes, and electrical storms. If you know what disasters to expect, you can more adequately prepare to recover from them.
Be aware of the potential consequences of those disasters. Consider the following: compromising of sensitive information, loss of service, data loss, loss of power, property damage or loss, water damage, fire and/or smoke damage, employee injury or death — these are all possible results of a natural disaster. Your disaster recovery plan should prepare for a worst-case scenario.
Develop a disaster recovery plan specific to your organization. Since every business is different, including its essential functions and needs, no disaster recovery plan should look the same; rather, each plan should be tailored to the organization it is intended to sustain. For more detailed information on developing a specific plan for your small business, see the additional resources listed below.
Disasters like the earthquake in Haiti cannot be prevented, but they can be prepared for. In addition to supporting relief efforts in Haiti over the next months, make time to evaluate your current disaster recovery plan. And if you don’t have a plan — get one.
[photo: United Nations Development Programme]
Additional Resources:
Developing a Small Business Disaster Recovery Plan
What does your CEO know about Disaster Recovery?
Oregon Businesses Disaster Planning
Tags: Business continuity planning, data loss, Disaster recovery, disaster recovery plan, Earthquake, Haiti, Natural Disaster