Different situations call for different plans
The main difference between a backup contingency plan and a disaster plan is the impact of the problem on the short- or long-term operations of a facility. Understanding the short- and long-term ramifications of a situation will help executives determine whether they need to invoke a backup contingency or a disaster plan.
Disaster Planning
Situations such as natural disasters--an earthquake, a massive flood, active volcanoes or regional fire--can lead company management to determine that they need to modify their operations by moving them into a safer, more appropriate location. This can mean moving personnel, moving equipment, finding new suppliers and setting up new delivery or sales distribution channels.
Backup Contingency Planning
Situations such as a labor-strike, temporary power outage, terrorism or an influenza pandemic may cause companies to invoke their backup contingency plan where they change something they are doing operationally for a temporary period of time.
Stages of Planning
Companies should have a temporary and long-term back up plan that includes planning around the before, during and after stages of a crisis. Identify what types of disasters are most likely to occur in your area, and think about the ramifications of those disasters. Identify steps that should be taken before, during and after each crisis. Some may be similar and others might be unique given the circumstances. Include how data storage and critical information will be transferred. Include a list of decision makers and their contact information. Include how the initial decisions will be made and communicated to the workforce, suppliers and community. For short-term situations, include provisions made in advance for an alternative work force, or supplier. For long-term situations, include an analysis of where the business might be moved if the current conditions are no longer conducive to operations. The key to maintaining a business during a crisis is to have a plan in place to cover the short- and long-term required actions for the beginning, middle and after effects of a crisis.
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