The Canadian Centre for Emergency
Preparedness (CCEP) recommends six steps to help your
organization bounce back quickly from a disaster or crisis.
Over 28 million youths worldwide are involved in guiding
and scouting programs; their motto is echoed around the
globe “Be Prepared!” Are you prepared to deal with
natural or man-made emergencies?
The Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP)
recommends six steps to help your organization bounce
back quickly from a disaster or crisis.
Know your risks. Your business needs to identify and
recognize the possible risks in your environment to
prepare for all kinds of interruptions. While natural
hazards like flooding and severe weather are feasible,
other risks may include: supply chain disruption, staff
shortage, power outage, fire, computer or machinery
failure, hazardous chemical spill or workers’ strike.
Know your impact. Answering the following three
questions will provide you with a clearer idea as to how
the interruption will impact your business.
• What are the main products and services offered by
your company?
• How long can you stop distributing those products and
services before experiencing an impact?
• What are your needs (personnel, electricity, water,
computer, debit/credit card machine) required by your
business to deliver your key products and services?
Develop Strategies. Once the main products or services
have been identified, develop a strategy for restoring
business. Strategies may range from cross-training
staff, renting equipment, having backup equipment and
identifying alternative suppliers, to storing critical
information off-site and maintaining those off-site
computers, just to name a few.
Develop Communication Tactics. Collect and store a hard
copy of the names and numbers of all of the people and
organizations your business will require to contact for
help in an emergency. This list should include the
following information: name, organization, office
number, cell number, e-mail, fax number and after-hours
number.
Plan Development. Compile the information from steps one
to four into one detailed document that includes all of
the information required for your company’s basic crisis
management plan. The key elements would include: contact
details, alternate location (if applicable), risks,
planning team members, crisis team, key products and
services, maximum acceptable outage, critical inputs,
strategies and contact lists.
Review and Exercise the Plan. Review and discuss the
various potential disruptions with staff so they are
aware of the plan, know how to respond and are aware of
their respective roles and responsibilities.
Being prepared is a critical step in ensuring the safety
and well being of your employees and place of business.
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