Situation: Local and world events continually remind us that both nature and events are unpredictable. At any time we may have to deal with emergencies including water, fire, earthquakes, and the possibility that we or our employees may not be able to get to or communicate with our offices for a period. It is prudent for all of us to have plans in place that will enable us to deal with emergencies. What are best practices for emergency preparedness?

Advice from the CEOs:

• You must have an extensive business continuity plan. This includes:
  • An outline of potential situations that you may face in your locations, potential losses associated with these situations, and plans for responding to each.
  • Redundant remote data back-up.
  • Manufacturing continuity planning.
  • Personnel contingencies.
  • Alternate vendor and service arrangements.
• Drafting a full emergency plan takes time and work. However, it is essential. Start simply:
  • Look at the obvious risks in your locations.
  • For each, develop your back up or continuity strategy and start to put it in place.
  • Let the list of contingencies grow with time as you recognize more risks.
  • Start this exercise NOW.
• Once you have a plan, drill the plan. Make sure that your people know what to do in each case so that if something happens they are prepared. It is amazing how this can build the confidence of your employees that they will be able to handle emergency situations.

Key Words: Emergency, Preparedness, Plan, Best Practice, Continuity, Data Back-up, Contingency, Confidence

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