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Disaster Recovery & Risk Management

Disasters will happen, but when and how intense often cannot be predicted. Risk management associated with disasters is composed of a cycle of mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and then starting the whole process over again. Recovery from disaster depends on proper risk management and the ability to employ specific tactics to reduce its impact.

  1. Mitigation

    • Risk management starts with the process of identifying the potential risks that a company, government or community could face. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines mitigation as any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate risk to people and property from hazards. For example, mowing weeds and other shrubs along highways reduces the possibility of out-of-control wildfires started by passing vehicles. Risk assessment should include man-made and natural hazards. Analyzing possible frequency and possible impact lets emergency planners prioritize certain risks and engage in mitigation activities. Mitigating a hazard reduces the extent of its impact and improves chances for recovery.

    Preparedness

    • Preparedness involves getting resources ready to manage the hazard--for example, fire trucks designed to extinguish grass fires. Preparedness also relates to efforts businesses make to ensure operations can continue following a hazard. Techsoup.org says it is important to have a plan so that critical data can be recovered and operations can be resumed as soon as possible. When data such as financial information, customer files and policy and procedures are recovered, a company might be able to resume daily business even without a physical location.

    Response

    • Response to a disaster has an enormous influence on the recovery ability of an organization or community. Policies and procedures become important during this phase because the actions of responders or constituents are logical and controlled rather than chaotic and disorganized.

    Recovery

    • According to SearchDisasterRecovery.com, disaster recovery is the result of actions driven by risk management. If risk management efforts are made early, the hazard may be contained and normal operations can resume. Utilities such as water and electricity are restored, for example, and key personnel can convene and make important decisions.

    Starting Again

    • Learning from the disaster helps planners identify what worked and what did not and what can be adjusted to ensure it works if the hazard occurs again. This full cycle of analysis is crucial to avoid repeating mistakes.

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