Business Continuity Team: Introduction
The Business Continuity Team is dedicated to ensuring the economic resilience of the community post-disaster by equipping businesses with contingency plans to facilitate a rapid recovery. This contributes to the community’s overall well-being and livability.
In alliance with the local Chamber of Commerce, this team advocates for proactive planning among local businesses and organizations for scenarios when normal operations are disrupted, infrastructure is damaged, Internet is down, power is out, and/or people can’t access businesses.
Pre-Disaster Responsibilities
Before a major disaster occurs, the Business Continuity Team focuses on proactive preparation and planning with businesses and organizations. They conduct risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and disruptions that could affect business operations in the event of a disaster. Using these insights, they help develop comprehensive business continuity plans tailored to the specific needs of each business or organization.
These plans typically include strategies for
Making sure they have adequate insurance coverage.
Preparing documentation so that after a disaster they can get their insurance coverage quickly.
Maintaining or rapidly resuming essential functions.
Protecting physical assets.
Managing supply chains.
Ensuring the well-being of employees.
Communicating effectively with stakeholders during and after a disaster.
The team also offers pre-disaster training and resources to help businesses test and refine these plans, ensuring that they're robust and practical.
A good model for a plan is this step-by-step guide for businesses from the Do1Thing organization.
Disaster Responsibilities
Upon activation, the Business Continuity team works closely with local businesses and organizations to help them execute their disaster recovery plans and obtain insurance coverage.
Recovery Responsibilities
During recovery, the Team continues working with businesses to help them get up and running again.