What Everyone Ought to Know About Disaster Recovery Planning
10 things you need to know about disaster recovery planning.
So you’ve heard of disaster recovery planning, but you’ve never really given the matter much thought? Well I’m Ryan Edgerton and I’m here to change all of that.
It seems that every time we turn on the news there is a disaster occurring somewhere in the world. From hurricanes to tornados and tidal waves to earthquakes, at any given time a disaster could strike. So I’ve put together a list to make sure that your first disaster isn’t your last.
1. Have a plan
Having a plan is the first step towards disaster recovery planning. This means that you should take the time and make the effort to follow through on all of the steps that you plan on taking prior to and immediately after a disaster. This means buying necessary supplies and collaborating with friends and neighbors so that you have preset plan of action.
2. Be proactive
Be sure to talk to local government agencies and related businesses so that you are familiar with the procedures that they have in place in case disaster strikes.
3. Talk to your insurance company
These people should be one of the first ones that you talk to before and after a disaster strikes. This is to insure that you have all the coverage you need and you able to use the opportunity to familiarize yourself with their procedures in regards to disaster. I say this because once you have found yourself in a safe place after a disaster they will probably be one of the first people you’ll want to talk to.
4. Figuring out what you need.
There are literally hundreds of items that you might need if you ever find yourself in the midst of a disaster, but here are a few that are essential. Food (canned goods), bottled water, batteries, a radio and/or battery powered TV, pictures of family members (so that if you happen to get separated you have means of showing others who you are looking for) and extra clothes and blankets are good things to start with.
5. Get the Goods.
When I say get the goods I mean shop and/or organize. It is all well to think about what you need should a disaster occur however it is of little use if you never acquire them! Get what you need now, so you won’t be sorry if you didn’t later.
6. Keep A Cash Stash
Now I’m not saying keep all of your money under the mattress, but you should try to keep a few hundred dollars on hand in case you find that the disaster that you just survived has wiped out all of the electricity in your area and maybe all of the banks with it.
7. Communication
One of the first things that usually go awry during and after a disaster is lines of communication, so it would be especially prudent to keep your cell phone, walkie talkie or portable CB in good working order so that you have a means of reaching out if you find yourself unable to do so physically.
8. Tell a Friend
Be sure to keep a friend in the loop about your disaster plans. By doing this you have a backup in case you find yourself in a situation were you are unable to convey your plans and to have someone looking out for you when they notice that your plan hasn’t been executed the way that you told them it would.
9. Hope for the Best
I’m adding this one in for all of you who believe that things will just work themselves out. I’m not going to say that sometimes things just seem to fall into place but it would be foolish not to take appropriate step to minimize losses life and property.
10. Whatever you do be safe
I know that many of us are more than willing to above and beyond when it comes to helping others. However, there are times when it is best to make yourself and your family safe. Once you have done that, you’ll be in a better position to help others in need.