February 2007 - Implementing Effective Disaster Recovery: Five Critical Challenges

An article, “Implementing Effective Disaster Recovery: Five Critical Challenges,” in the January 2007 edition of the monthly publication, Homeland Defense Journal, provides a brief overview of key elements that should be evaluated when reviewing plans for disaster recovery. While the article focuses on a broader community-wide event, the five key challenges presented will challenge most businesses in recovering from a disaster, regardless of the type (i.e., flood, bombing, etc.). The key challenges presented are:

• Debris removal and decontamination - Regardless of the disaster type, there will be some amount of debris that must be removed from the site and disposed of. Additionally, in many cases, such as flooding and hazardous materials release, it may be necessary to decontaminate buildings, equipment, and people before retuning to normal operations.
• Infrastructure repair - Every business has some form of critical infrastructure that must be maintained for effective operations. Part of the disaster pre-planning process should identify which parts of a business infrastructure are critical to operations and should receive the highest priority for restoration.
• Allocation of efforts and resources to restore key residential and commercial sectors - While this is primarily a governmental matter, business leaders should work with local authorities, in advance of a disaster, to provide information relating to their business continuity needs. By establishing this relationship and need, in advance, the business owner is more likely to be part of the allocation effort and receive a higher priority.
• Resolving legal hurdles - Every disaster has some legal ramifications, either from an insurance claim, third-party tort, or federal assistance. It is critical that a business properly track direct losses and indirect losses, such as recovery costs. Without proper planning and accurate recordkeeping, a business may not be able to maximize its financial recovery, such as through insurance and federal assistance.
• Returning to a viable community - Every business plays a part in the life and growth of a community. By working with the local authority in advance of the disaster, a business owner can establish the value of his/her business to the particular community. As such, the business owner need to develop short-term and long-term planning goals for returning to normal operations.

Overall the article provides a focus for business and how the needs of the community and business are inter-woven. It provides a snap shot of the importance of public and private partnerships coming together to strengthen each other and the community as a whole.

To request a free, sample copy of the Homeland Defense Journal, send an email to dp@homelandjournal.com and provide your complete name, title, company, and address.

COPYRIGHT ©2007, ISO Services Properties, Inc.

The information contained in this publication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. ISO Services Properties, Inc., its companies and employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with either the information herein contained or the safety suggestions herein made. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety procedure is contained herein or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedure.