After the disaster...

First of all, we want to say that our thoughts and hearts are with any of you who have struggled through - or may still be struggling with - the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The devastation from Hurricane Sandy is massive, and it certainly should cause us to think about what we need to do AFTER the disaster. Following your plan is important, but perhaps there were things you didn't prepare for... what do you now? This week's articles can help you review your disaster recovery plan to see if more preparations were needed.

The effects of a hurricane like Sandy should be a reminder to all businesses of the importance of disaster recovery planning. (Item #1)   Take this advice from a business owner who recovered. (Item #2)   Managing after a disaster presents unique challenges. (Item #3)  

Here's a guide for the small business owner regarding working with your insurance representatives. (Item #4)   If your home also is affected by a disaster, here are some steps to take to get your home and your life back in order. (Item #5)   Here's some guidance from small businesses on how to get back to business as soon as possible. (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Sandy - A Reminder to Adopt/Reevaluate Your Disaster Recovery Plan

As you clean up from Sandy, think about whether your disaster recovery plan worked the way you expected. If it did not, make appropriate changes. If you think your company could have benefited from such a plan, there is no time like the present to begin developing one.
http://www.workplaceprivacyreport.com/2012/10/articles/information-management/sandy-a-reminder-to-adoptreevaluate-your-disaster-recovery-plan/

2. How I Rebuilt My Business after a Flood

While business owners have plans for nearly every aspect of their business, such as funding, marketing and expansion, preparing for a flood was not in the playbook of Barry O'Donovan, owner of Kilkenny House Restaurant & Pub in Cranford, N.J. Good advice from a restaurant owner who's recovered from Hurricane Irene.
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/3119-disaster-flood-rebuild.html

3. Managing After a Disaster

A disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane creates unusual challenges for management. You and your staff may yourselves be suffering from its effects. Emotional stress, physical injury, bereavement, loss of property, and disruption of normal routines may limit the availability and energy of your work group. At the same time, the group may face new responsibilities--caring for its own members, and facilitating community recovery.
http://www.opm.gov/employment_and_benefits/worklife/officialdocuments
/handbooksguides/trauma/ch6.asp

4. Getting Back to Business

Following a disaster, it is anything but "business as usual" for you, your employees and customers. But the faster you can return your business to some level of normal operations, the quicker you can restore income, jobs and the goods and services your community has come to depend on from you. There are many resources available to help in this process. This brochure's focus is on how to work with your insurance company's representatives.
http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/business/documents/ibhs_GettingBackToBusiness.pdf

5. Recover from Disaster

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home and your life back to normal.
http://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/home/recover/index.html

6. Post-Disaster Guidance for Small Businesses

After Sandy forced numerous businesses to close their doors, the business disruption can be especially damaging to small businesses. In fact, one out of four businesses that close during a disaster never reopen, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Quickly and efficiently get back to business to avoid costly downtime by using the following IBHS guidance below.
http://disastersafety.org/blog/post-disaster-guidance-for-small-businesses/