FT. MYERS 239.275.2500

Having a plan in advance, as simple as it may sound, can tremendously decrease your downtime after a disaster; but you need to make sure it’s a plan that will get your system back up as quickly as possible. Set up a plan that contains details on what disaster could happen and a step-by-step process of what to do, who should do it and how.
A comprehensive emergency plan considers and includes, but is not limited to, the following key elements:

Employee Safety – Ensure your plan provides for the safety of employees should a disaster occur. An emergency plan needs to delineate clear-cut lines ofauthority and responsibilities to employees who are capable of making decisions and putting the plan into action.

Facilities – If your firm’s office space is damaged in the event of a disaster, outline in your plan
pre-arranged commitments to share or occupy alternative sites.

Preservation of Files and Records – Your plan should address alternatives for duplicating or restoring damaged paperwork and electronic records. Arrangements made in advance to retrieve, duplicate or restore files and records, such as having an off-site backup location, are essential to lessen the risk of data loss.

Preservation of Systems and Equipment – While some disasters occur without warning and limit the capacity to preserve technology, considered assessments of these risks will dictate appropriate safeguards to minimize the loss of irreplaceable data. Make pre-arranged commitments with systems and equipment vendors to repair or replace losses for immediate business restoration. Be sure to include contact information in your plan for various providers and any usernames and passwords to applications or websites.

Client Communications – An emergency plan’s principal objective is to keep the firm in business, which means clients must know what the firm is able to do after a disaster. After a disaster strikes, be transparent with your clients and share your emergency status constructively and convincingly through available means of communication – such as a letter, email or phone call. By explaining how your firm plans to transcend disaster, you will  retain client confidence in the firm’s ability to continue operations.

Insurance Coverage – Having adequate insurance coverage for a variety of risks is an essential element to a well-conceived, comprehensive emergency plan. Review covered causes of loss, exclusions and limitations, and identify critical insurance coverage in your plan.

October 12th, 2015

Posted In: Uncategorized