How to Stay in Business—When the Sky Falls In Part 3
- Develop your plan.
BCM plans will be different for different businesses. However, effective continuity plans will share many important features:
- Use non-technical language so that any- and every- one can understand it.
- Identify who does what, and who takes responsibility for what. Try to include an alternative to cover key roles.
- Use checklists.
- Include clear, explicit instructions for the crucial first hour immediately following the occurrence of an incident.
- List items that do not need to be addressed until after that first hour.
- State how often, when and how you will check your plan to make sure it always a ‘live plan’. Always update your plan immediately changes occur in your organisation and in the risks you might face.
- Include information from outside experts and from other business people who face similar risks.
- Find out what your local authority plans are in response to a major incident or terrorist attack.
- Ask the fire brigade what they will want to know from you during a major incident? Who will be the point of contact that emergency services will speak with after an incident? Ask about access to your premises after a major incident.
- Would a major incident on the premises of a neighbouring property or business affect you and vice versa?
- How can you help each other?
- Find out what your Utility companies will need to know if your business is involved in a major incident.
- How will you contact your clients and suppliers to advise them you have been adversely affected by an incident? Involve them if at all possible.
- What information does your insurance company need? Determine whether you would need their permission to replace damaged critical equipment immediately.
- What alternative lines of communication and data access have you established?
- K.I.S.S. A good plan will be simple, but plan for worst case scenarios. You will never be able to plan in detail for every single eventuality. The aim of the plan is to enable people to be able to react quickly and effectively in an emergency
To be continued
Terence CAVB (Certified Australian Virtual Business)
Principal, Cyberspace Virtual Services, Western Australia
www.virtualservices.com.au Experience the Difference
www.avbn.com.au Australian Virtual Business Network—You Deserve the Best
2007 Thomas Leonard International VA of Distinction Award Nominee
Contented Member of ‘A Clayton’s Secretary’
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