by Judy K. Bell, CEM

  In past disasters businesses, schools, and public agencies set up temporary operations immediately after a disaster any way and anywhere they could. In the first weeks following the Northridge earthquake, makeshift cardboard signs were used extensively to convey critical information about hours of business and temporary locations. Signs were painted on storefronts to indicate who was open. Boarded windows carried advertisements for glass repair companies as well as lumber and other critical suppliers. There was an overwhelming sense of urgency to provide at least the most basic services quickly.
  As time progressed, the more tedious job of rebuilding to return operations to normal began. Many groups were ill prepared to deal with this lengthy and often frustrating task. Before disaster strikes your organization, take the time now to address the following areas.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF DAMAGES
Do you have current videotapes or photographs of your existing facilities and equipment? What about your inventory? Photos of the damage will be much more meaningful if they can be compared with what you had before.

ALTERNATE SUPPLIERS
What if your normal vendors can't get their doors open quickly? What items will be most critical for you to be able to do business, and how will you obtain them? What kind of expedited procurement process do you need? How will you pay for these goods?

EMPLOYEE REACTIONS
What counseling services can you arrange for now to be available to address your employees' concerns? If disaster strikes while employees are at the workplace, they may need help both immediately following the event and later if they must return to the same location.

The more you plan now, the quicker your organization will return to normal. The sooner people know that their work or school environment is back to normal, the quicker their emotional healing will begin. Remember our motto "Plan Today...Survive Tomorrow". It means both economic and physical survival. Make sure that your group is one that succeeds!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
  Judy Bell is retired division manager of operations for Pacific Bell and president of Disaster Survival Planning, Inc., a business recovery consulting firm that helps businesses, public agencies, and schools prepare emergency response and business recovery plans. Her book, "Disaster Survival Planning, A Practical Guide for Businesses" is sold internationally and used as a reference book throughout the industry.