Business Continuity Services
Public health crises, forces of nature, man-made catastrophes: Disasters can cause major setbacks for businesses and organizations.
If a business does not have a preparedness plan in place to protect employees and secure assets, resuming operations can take longer than expected. Having a continuity plan is equally important and can help ensure that your business keeps running in the aftermath of a disaster.
Preparing Your Business for a Disaster
It’s important to consider how your business may be impacted by a variety of disasters and to be adequately prepared for those situations. Putting together a Disaster Recovery Plan can help protect critical business assets and minimize operational risk.
Here are a few steps to consider when developing one:
- Establish crisis management procedures
- Identify communication protocols
- Review business interruption coverage
- Maintain documentation
- Plan for continuity
By addressing and planning for different scenarios, you can determine the best approach for disaster preparedness and recovery.
Elements of an Effective Business Continuity Plan
Business Recovery
Depending on the circumstances, it may take weeks or months for businesses to be up and running again after a disaster. Businesses, large and small, cannot afford a prolonged shutdown of operations and need to be proactive in disaster recovery planning. From identifying potential risks and performing a business impact analysis to developing strategies and testing plans, all steps are crucial components of a resiliency plan.
In determining a recovery strategy, organizations should consider such issues as:
- Operating budget and cash-flow needs
- Resources such as people and physical facilities – Where and when will you resume operations
- Management team coordination – Duties and Responsibilities pre- and post-storm
- Technology needs – Data back-up and hardware, including ability to access on-site and remotely post-storm
- Suppliers – Contingency plans in case your suppliers are also impacted by storm
Disaster Fraud
While disasters and tragedies bring out the best in people, they can also bring out the worst. At every stage of recovery, you should be aware of potential fraud and schemes.
- Fraudulent Charities
- Fraudulent Contractors
- Flooded Car Sales
- Insurance Scams
- Identity Theft
If you suspect fraud connected to a natural disaster, you can contact
the National Center for Disaster Fraud or visit FEMA's Hurricane Harvey resource page.
Disaster Advisory Insights
Helpful content from municipal, state, and governmental agencies, as well as other outside sources.
What's on Your Mind?
Hubert Klein
Hubert Klein a Partner, the Firmwide Valuation Services Leader, and the New Jersey Forensic, Litigation & Valuation Services (“FLVS”) Market Leader, is a nationally recognized expert witness and professional educator in forensic accounting, damages, and valuation topics.
Start a conversation with Hubert