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ARE YOU PREPARED?
Disaster Recovery, Are we truly prepared as an industry?
Probably not! Why? Complacency and a bit of false security. Post 9-11 the United States, as a whole, rebounded rather
quickly. The Federal Government placed into action major contingency plans, nationwide warning systems, and assisted local and state agencies in the development of programs and plans to aid in
the pre-event warning and post event recovery efforts. These programs were rolled out through various agencies at the state level to businesses, to include the transportation industry.
Now, we collectively felt as though we were ready for anything. Then came Katrina. A true test of our recovery programs. And, for the short term, we collectively failed the rebound
test.
Through the catastrophic events of Katrina we quickly realized as an industry at the forefront of the recovery efforts, that each level of our
plan required additional steps. As a very creative and industrious group, transportation people have a knack of creating on the run. It is the nature of our very fluid business. Create we
did! The transportation industry built mobile fuel stations, mobile shower trailers, mobile sleeping quarter trailers, and provided not only for the core internal business functions, but also
provided for those outside our companies. But, again our plans were not all inclusive to cover such an event.
Who is responsible for the development and ongoing maintenance of Disaster Plans?
I have been very fortunate in my career to work not only in the transportation industry, but with many segments of law enforcement
at the federal, state, and local level. I have worked in the development of plans to protect the interests of the United States from manmade events, and from natural events and every plan needs
good sound leadership at the helm to lay the foundation and continue the development. Disaster Recovery Plans are never "final".
So who should develop and maintain these plans? It depends on who you ask. The industry leaders seem to feel this is an Information
Technology {IT} project. I say this is misplaced totally in an IT. environment. Information Technology groups do a fine job of outlining project plans, but many times the day-to-day
functionality of each individual department is overlooked.
OK, lets say IT drafts, develops, and maintains the "Plan". When we drill down into, lets say Vehicle Maintenance, IT has all of our
systems up and running. Problem? Yes, during this event we lose all of the facility power grids. We can not pump fuel, we have limited back up lighting, there is no running water,
and there are no lift stations to pump sewage. Did IT miss something here? No, we all did. Remember, you plan to continue you business just as if there was no disruption at all,
regardless of the event; a bomb, a sabotage event, or a natural event. So if you plan to operate just as if there were no disruption, do you not think that all of your departments, or
divisions, and all of those personnel need to be involved in the development of your "Plan"? You may be surprised how the little suggestions will mean a lot during an event! Get input
from everyone!
The Human Aspect of Plan Development.
Speaking of your personnel, think about your plan. Does it include the "Human Aspects"? Does it include temporary housing
provisions, food, water, medical care? What about those indirect human aspects; the families of your employees. If you expect your employees to report to work, and care for your most
important asset during a major catastrophic event that may have just adversely impacted their lives, be prepared to care for their most important asset – their families. If your "Plan"
provides for all of your business functions, but neglects to address the care of your personnel and their families, then your "Plan" has failed! And bear in mind, your "Plan" should be
extendable. You may be required to house and care for people for a long period of time. Remember Katrina?
Official Assistance.
OK, now you have gotten all of your departments together. You have listened to each and every person in all divisions. Your plan is
laid, and in the back of your mind you know that the efforts that you will be required to put forth during an event should be minimal. Why? Because you are a major tax payer in your
community. If an event should arise, the police, sheriff, and local EMS will provide you with "free" resources. Resources to get people to the job. Resources to proved food,
shelter, and medical services. Think again! Services provided by these groups will be very difficult to obtain. During such events as 9-11, and the Katrina storm, these resources
were stretched far beyond the breaking point. The capacity, and resources of these groups can not support, long term, these types of events without replenishment and support from the
government. {Replenishment – I bet that is provided by trucks - just a thought}
I have personally been involved in some natural events, of moderate proportion, where the local law enforcement handed traffic control over to
us due to their officers being tied up on accident calls, well being checks, and other storm related events. And bear in mind, these are moderate events.
During the training session I am involved with law enforcement, fire /rescue, and EMS, most of these groups tell me they have received training
to address major events, but the training is minimal, and most feel they are not equipped to handle major events as efficiently as they are expected to. In our training {RAIDS/USDS} this proves
factual. Most responders from police officers to EMS make mistakes that endanger themselves and others. Please note this is not a negative reflection on these people. The level
of training they undergo relating to "Extreme High Risk" is far beyond their normal training, and most agencies have not elected to provide that level of training. All of the law enforcement, Fire,
and EMS personnel are very professional and do an outstanding job.
Resources for Development.
How do you build a good, sound, feasible "Plan"? First, Tap all the resources you possibly can. Second, be very cautious of
"Experts" out there. There are a lot of self-proclaimed experts out there willing to assist you in the evaluation of your threat, and the development, and ongoing maintenance of your "Plan"
– for a fee.
Use proven methods. A good resource of proven methods can be found from many resources. One of the best is state or local
plans. Most of these are public domain, so no copyright issues arise, and most are free of charge.
Where can you obtain these? Check through your local Chamber. Or, visit your fire department, police department, sheriff's office,
or the State law enforcement groups. They should be able to assist you, or direct you to a helpful resource. One of the best programs I have seen is based in the state of Florida.
Their program is very detailed, and can be tailored to meet almost all needs. These are available through any Chamber in the state of Florida.
In closing, remember your plan must be all inclusive of your business model. It must be updated as the events around us change; it must
cover the protection of your business, the internal and external functions of your business; it must protect your assets, your personnel, and the families of your personnel; and most important
– it must be practiced and rehearsed as often as possible.
Remember the little things, and don't forget the big things. Do you recall earlier when I wrote "You may be surprised
how the little suggestions will mean a lot during an event!" If you were faced with reporting to work one morning where a major storm has removed the roof from your structure, the power is
down, and the general area is a total mess, and someone asks you "who was in charge of bringing the toilet paper". How would you reply?
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