Get Over Disaster Faster With A Business Recovery Plan

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Prepare for Emergencies with A Recovery Plan

Emergency management officials often say that the best time to prepare for disaster is before any threat is on the horizon. Being proactive by creating and testing a disaster plan for your business allows you to have everything needed in place, increasing the odds that your company will survive the storm and be able to get back to business quickly after a catastrophe. There are several things you need to do when crafting a disaster recovery plan.

IDENTIFY THE RISKS

Some disasters are universal; for example, fire is always a threat. The risk of other disasters, like hurricanes or earthquakes, varies depending on your location. First, determine what types of disaster are most likely to impact your business. Then, identify how various disasters would affect your operations and plan accordingly. Emergency management agencies in your area are a good resource.

EVALUATE YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE

Review your insurance and make certain that you understand exactly what it covers. Does it provide sufficient compensation for physical losses? Will you be able to restore crucial materials and equipment? Is flood damage covered? What about business interruption?

PINPOINT CRITICAL BUSINESS FUNCTIONS

Certain business functions are absolute necessities. Who and what will you need in order to keep things functioning in the wake of a disaster? Work up a list of responsibilities and assign them to your employees so that everyone is prepared to respond effectively.

PLAN TO COMMUNICATE

Communications often break down in a crisis, so it is important that you have a plan in place. Draft a list of emergency contacts and store it in multiple locations. Know who will provide notifications and how they will do so.

BACK UP VITAL DATA

Make it standard procedure to back up all critical data regularly. Backups should be stored in an off-site location. Copies of insurance policies, legal papers and other important records should also be stowed safely.

PROTECT YOUR TECH

Prepare to protect your technology by developing a recovery plan for your information technology. Make certain that it includes a way to regain Internet access, resource requirements, data restoration plans, and procedures for the recovery of computers, wireless devices, networks, servers, apps and your data.

CREATE A RELOCATION STRATEGY

What happens if a disaster renders your location unusable? What arrangement would allow you to keep operating? Is telecommuting a possibility? Would you rent facilities or temporarily share space with other businesses?

IDENTIFY ESSENTIAL SUPPLIERS

What suppliers and other businesses are vital to your operations? Identify alternative vendors so that you will know where to turn if a regular one is unable to deliver due to an emergency. In addition, identify a restoration company that can help you get your company’s premises back to normal. 
Every emergency is unique, and following the directives of the emergency management authorities in your area is essential for the safety of you and your employees. When it’s time to begin the recovery process, count on SERVPRO. With more than 16,500 franchises, we have the resources necessary to get the job done so that you can get back to business. We can respond quickly with highly trained restoration technicians who employ specialized techniques and equipment to restore your business or home back to pre-disaster condition.
Contact SERVPRO today to request our assistance or learn more about our disaster recovery options, storm damage cleanup and restoration services.