Coping with any disaster

Aug 1, 1998 12:00 PM, Dr. STEPHENIE SLAHOR

Could your company cope with a disaster? Your answer could be "yes" if you do some planning now based on what must be protected (single site, multiple site) and the type of disasters that can occur in your geographic area (earthquake, fire, severe storm, flood, hurricane). 1. Plan an emergency operations center (EOC) based on what you think you need to get things safe and running again after a disaster. The EOC is where information is collected, assessed and distributed. Decide whether it will be fixed or mobile (building, vehicle, trailer); where it will be located; and how much you can spend on it. 2. Plan the protection you want and need, and train all employees in it. Designate and train those who will be a part of the EOC itself and be sure all employees know the chain of command and who is in charge of what. 3. Equip the EOC. You'll need light, ventilation, water, waste water tanks, power, cooking facilities (microwave, coffee maker, camp/other stove, sink, drinking fountain, refrigerator and storage), sanitary facilities with water-conserving flushing systems, full-frequency HAM and/or CB radio, two-way radios, phones, tables, chairs, bulletin boards, maps and building plans, stationery supplies, radios, TVs, VCRs, space and power for computers, printers, photocopiers and fax machines, food and water for everyone for at least 72 hours, tents, cots, and search and rescue equipment such as fire-fighting equipment, hydraulic jacks, saws, shovels, picks, tape, canvas, basic tools, rope, goggles, gloves, dust masks, hard hats, first-aid supplies, body bags and stretchers. 4. Know your resources. List contacts at security guard companies and law enforcement agencies, as well as hospital locations and companies for air charter, catering, restoration, equipment rental, cellular phones and computer rentals. In the event of a disaster, these agencies will be responding to other calls, but at least you'll already know what is available and how to get it. And remember that in time of emergency, services usually want to be paid in cash. 5. Set a common assembly point and a procedure for employees. Have a system for getting computers and communications equipment clean and back into operation. 6. Where possible, engineer safety into the building. For example, do not have air conditioning units on the roof where they could fall into a building and cause injury or property damage. 7. Have at least one backup communications system, complete with backuppower supplies, and have food, shelter and personal supplies for the EOC staff. In a disaster, you may be on your own. The emergency services will have enough to do, and may not be able to respond to your needs. Be prepared!

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