Disaster Recovery Plans for Your Business

Preparing your business for a disaster need not consume a lot of time and effort. A basic Disaster Recovery Plan can be the deciding factor between filing for bankruptcy and thriving after the disaster. Take these simple steps – and put the procedures in writing – to ensure your technology, coworkers and facilities will come through a disaster safe and sound.

Safeguard computers and the data they hold:

Elevate computer equipment and cables for added protection in case of a flood.

Back up files on up-to-date CDs or DVDs regularly, and store the media in insulated containers at a remote location. Some experts suggest a site at least 50 miles from the original site.

Make use of online data storage systems like eFolder or iBackUp. Such services provide multiple redundant servers for additional disaster recovery protection.

Maintain up-to-date lists of computer and Internet log-on codes and passwords in a secure yet portable format, such as a Smartphone.

Take photographs of the equipment and any particularly important documents that may help you with insurance claims after the disaster.

Print copies of key documents and store them at a remote site.

When warned of an impending disaster, move equipment to a secure location.

Know your options for renting temporary equipment. This applies to computers and any other equipment essential to the functioning of your business.

Plan for Employee Safety:

Maintain a list of emergency contacts. This includes numbers where your employees can be reached in emergencies, as well as people you should call if an employee is unable to leave work or is otherwise unreachable. Keep this list in a grab-and-go disaster recovery kit.

Encourage employees to take CPR, First Aid, and other disaster training classes.

Verify that employees know how to operate emergency equipment like fire extinguishers.

Design a system for alternate transportation after a disaster (car pooling, etc.)

Plan for emergency housing after a disaster. This could include hotel accommodations or employees staying at one another’s homes.

Plan and review evacuation policies and safety procedures with employees.

Participate in mock disaster drills and review emergency plans with employees at least once a year.

Consider online banking and bill paying, as well as direct deposit of paychecks. Determine in advance how you will pay employees during an interruption of the business.

Prepare Your Facilities:

Install fire and lightning protection systems, water-level monitoring systems, overflow detection devices, and automatic shutoffs.

If your business depends on continuous access to electricity, invest in an emergency power generator.

Have fire sprinkler systems installed.

Install storm shutters.

Secure light fixtures.

Use Velcro on elevated objects at risk of slipping from their support.

Anchor and/or bolt water heaters and other large items that could topple in an earthquake or flood.

Ask Your Insurance Agent:

How much insurance am I required to carry to avoid becoming a co-insurer?

What perils or causes of loss does my policy cover?

What deductibles are available?

What does my policy require me to do after a disaster?

What records and documentation will my insurance company want to see in the aftermath of a disaster?

Am I covered for lost income due to business interruption?