Midwest Disaster "Top Ten" List of Lessons Learned
By Dan Bagus

What kind of insight can we gain from the unfortunate event in the Midwest? Our expert this week provides a list of his “top ten” lessons learned. Read and take note for the future.

1. Be Pro-active. Share your Disaster Recovery / Business Resumption plan with anyone that may be able to impact it upon implementation.  We have learned that there may be hurdles with local officials in getting formal approval to implement your plan (i.e. mobile units, diesel generator service etc.)
   
   
2. Include critical phone numbers into your plan to have at your fingertips in the event of a disaster.  This can expedite the recovery process through permitting, knowledge on when key infrastructure will be recovered (i.e. utilities - gas, electric, telecom, water etc.)
   
   
3. Remain as close to your permanent site as possible.  Our client considered relocating to a permanent building a couple of miles away from their main office.  This bank was the foundation of the rebuild of the community. Due to the level of destruction of homes, cars and the impassability of roads it would have been a major hurdle to get to an alternative facility any distance away.
   
   
4. Be Flexible. Design your plan accordingly. A mobile facility can address a number of variable issues, by its nature. It should be considered as a part of your plan from a practical and economic perspective. It addresses a number of potential issues such as wide area destruction, alternative sources of infrastructure such as water, power, telecomm. It can be delivered to a location of choice.
   
   
5. Plan for the worst. Our client had 9 employees, 6 were directly and substantially impacted by the disaster - losing their homes and vehicles. Be prepared to make assignments accordingly, including cross-training and alternative sources of staffing.
   
   
6. Test for the worst. Make sure that your plan can get you fully operational in a timely fashion. Be realistic in your test scenarios, if you face the realistic threat of tornado, hurricane, earthquake etc - plan and test accordingly so that you are prepared.
   
   
7. Enlist trusted vendors that will deliver a comprehensive solution with a clear head. Will they be onsite hand-hold, transfer knowledge, make recommendations and/or decisions that you may simply not be able to make under the circumstances.
   
   
8. Understand your Failure points - Research your options before you need them.  Reliance of technology is obviously substantial and replacement options should be fully understood and incorporated into your plan. Advancements in Satellite Technology can provide the critical component to gain access to core business applications.
   
   
9. Understand your insurance coverage (business interruption) before you need it. This should be a critical component of the Planning process.
   
   
10. Be compassionate. Your staff and your customers are what drive your business. Genuinely help them during this time of need and and you will likely have them forever.

About the Author
Dan Bagus, of Recovery Solutions, can be reached at dbagus@recoverysolutionsinc.com.