Important points and activities

The objective is to secure life, property, information in the event of a disaster and to facilitate business continuity after such a disaster. Identify Key disaster recovery personnel, roles,

timeline and contact information Update contact information and procedure to

access support services. (Emergency management, Security, Fire, Law enforcement, Health, Utilities, Insurance, Building and Electrical professionals)

Ensure funds available for urgent expenditures. If your institution is a designated shelter, pay

special attention to security arrangements

Secure Computers, telephony, other office equipment and hard copy documents from water, debris, theft, fire etc. Ensure Inventory of valuable equipment is up-to-

date Check on insurance coverage Secure vulnerable perimeter windows and doors

(taping etc) Test security systems and services Power off all electrical equipment before events

such as hurricanes, including UPS and Main Breakers

Elevate equipment from floors, move away from windows, cover with water proof covering (e.g. garbage bags) and label.

Secure documents in Vault where necessary or elevated cabinets, cover in water proof coverings

Ensure all support vendors information is secured

Secure electronic Information (databases, application software, files)Secure inventory of applications and all

data (record counts, file counts including personal My document folders, recovery disks, images and tapes

Ensure all data is backed up and secured off site.

Secure recovery information and personnel; for all application systems

Ensure vendor support is in place and response time is guaranteed

Secure Personnel Secure up to date inventory of staff (Address,

contact information, next of kin etc) Ensure staff have adequate time to get home

and secure homes Agree on a method of contacting staff after

disaster Maintain multiple contact information of staff Assist where possible with funding to ensure

that personnel can acquire the necessary supplies to survive the disaster event

Ensure adequate cash float to deal with urgent issues after disaster

Secure transportation for critical staff to recover business

After any disaster, the designated team should make a proper, cautious survey of any damage including taking pictures before starting any recovery activities.  

Note: Avoid any down power lines as they may still be live. Before restoring any power, ensure there is no water breach in electrical panels, electronic equipment (computers, UPS, A/C etc).

Check property, equipment, information and personnel against inventory to see where you are and choose the most appropriate path to recovery. 

Update Head of organisation if not a member of the team

Communicate to customers and business partners the extent of any business interruptions.

Evoke Business recovery plan.

Elements of recovery plan should start with steps to have basic level of operation up as soon as possible including reliable means of communication, requirements for food, health, transportation.

Recovery of general operations can be based on temporary services until general normality is possible