"60% OF BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY A DISASTER WHICH DO NOT HAVE A DISASTER PLAN WILL NOT SURVIVE".

Disaster Planning is all about: -

• Prevention;
• Preparedness;
• Response; and
• Recovery

PREVENTION – During the business disaster planning process a business looks at preventing a disaster affecting their business. They do this by undertaking a risk management analysis; that is analysing and noting the risks within their business and its environments, both geographical and financial.

PREPAREDNESS – Once the risks have been isolated the next step is to undertake a business impact analysis. What impacts are likely and how adverse are they likely to be? At this stage certain actions can be put into place to remove or minimise these impacts.

RESPONSE – Business Disaster Plans include a clear set of actions that are followed during a disaster event. A checklist of instructions to ensure a systemised process is undertaken so that the business is able to recommence with as little interruption as possible. One of these actions will be to ensure that the “Go Pack” is updated and ready to go.

RECOVERY – The recovery phase of the business disaster plan concentrates on a systematic plan of action to enable the business to recommence trade as soon as and efficiently as possible. Given the emotional stress on both the owners and workers a disaster can bring a step by step action plan provides them with an opportunity to regain their momentum quickly. A quick recovery is essential to long term viability of the business.

REHEARSING, MAINTAINING AND UPDATING – All plans need to be tested over time to ensure their continued adequacy and to ensure that they are up to date. So a section in every plan should include a process to rehearse, maintain and update the plan itself on a regular basis.