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Crisis and Disaster Planning |
By planning for a crisis you can avoid many disasters, however this does not mean that having a crisis plan in place will forestall all disasters! This is a short guide on why your business should have both a crisis plan and a disaster plan, and we'll also give you some ideas on how you should go about designing these plans.
What do you need to know about it?
Crisis
A crisis can be any unforeseen event; anything from burst water pipes, being sued, or loss of data from computers. Essentially any event that affects your business adversely, a crisis could happen at any time.
Obviously, you will not be able to plan for every crisis, but there will often be an overlap in similar procedures for example, most businesses already have plans such as fire procedures in place. Dealing badly with a crisis reflects badly on the business, and conversely, coping with a crisis in a professional and assured manner can increase customer confidence in your business.
Disaster
Disaster can be anything that threatens either someone's life or your business. It could be an explosion or a fire that destroys your premises. Disaster is more serious than a crisis; it is the next stage - but having a sound plan in place can give your business a better chance of survival.
What do you need to do about it?
1. Crisis
Have a crisis management team. The leader of the team should be someone with the authority and personality to get results fast. Choosing someone with authority but without the respect of the workforce is not the best way to choose a leader.
Consider all threats and make sure that you have taken all preventative measures available, such as installing fire alarms and fire escapes, backing up computer files regularly, etc.
Take advice from an insurance broker who will be well versed in risk management. Click here to Get Quotes now.
Go through all possible scenarios. There are always possibilities that you will overlook.
Make sure you have lines of communications set out in the event of a crisis. This should include the home contact details of all members of staff.
Having a list of external contacts, such as the police and the media, may prove essential during a crisis.
Review the plan periodically, or whenever there has been a significant change in operations.
Make sure you know what you would do in the worst possible case and that you utilise the services of your insurance broker. For example, how would you cope if you lost your premises through fire? Does your plan cover moving, employee wages in the interim period, etc?
Make sure that your insurance arrangements are kept up-to-date, and are adequate. You can speak to Marsh, the world's largest insurance broker, today on 02380 216717.
2. Disaster
You should have a disaster team in place with a team leader who is respected and proficient.
You should carry out a risk assessment. Try using a professional crisis management consultant, especially if your business is involved in overseas trade.
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Keep buildings maintained and check your security.
Maintain an accurate list of contacts in case of an emergency (including home contact details for staff), and train the staff where necessary. Staff should be notified in the event of a disaster.
If you lose your premises (through fire, for example) can you relocate? If so, where to?
Your customers need to be informed when normal service will resume. How will you do this?
Where can your business be contacted with mail/e-mail/telephones if you lose your main office (or only office)?
Back up all essential material. This includes computer files and hardcopy. Keep these off-site in a safe place, if at all possible.
Try to have emergency funds available - insurance may take a long time to come through.
Remember - keep a number of copies of your crisis plan and your disaster plan in various locations.
This is a guide. It may be helpful for you to also talk to a professional advisor in Risk Management and Insurance. E&OEDisaster