My experience suggests that most companies do not have a formal documented Disaster Recovery Program.

With the many natural disasters, plant fires and explosions these past couple years it begs the question; " Has national news coverage of the past several years of major disasters sparked senior management to question their internal disaster recovery process?

I wonder, "Did the businesses that have made the headlines have a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Program? Was a key team in place with a documented program to lead the many aspects of a related recovery in a planned and orderly manner?

My 35 years of business experience confirms that most companies do not have a formal documented Disaster Recovery Program. Yes, many companies have pieces or segments of a disaster recovery program within individual functions such as succession planning, duel suppliers or a hazardous spit processes. Many are the result of state and federal legislation or lawsuits that forced the creation of a specific disaster prevention and recovery program. Ever wonder how many companies actually have a formal documented plan to alert the public and initiate a national product recall? There are many other areas that should be documented in some format where details are readily and available to senior management. Today, in our fast moving world and the speed of communication, public response time is critical to control potential brand damage. There is usually not sufficient time to develop a strategy 'after the fact" to define what communication is warranted and directed to the right people.

At the top of the communication list must be the key business stack holders included:

• Employees
• Customers
• Suppliers
• Community
• Local and National Media as appropriate

Many may say, "How do you have a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Program when you do not know when and what the disaster may be". I would say to them, "start with a team and have them research the major potential Disasters." Using this data define potential resources for a successful communication blitz along with a program that includes a generic flow chart that ensures an expedited return to normal business. Firefighting after the fact is not the best approach as we have observed domestically and internationally during the past several years.

Editor's Note: CR4 would like to thank Edward Eisermann for sharing this blog entry.