Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Worst-case Disasters...

Each year around Halloween, we like to present worst-case disasters that challenge you to think out of the box and maybe even take a new look at your existing plans. This year, instead of looking at disasters of the past, we’re mostly looking at disasters that haven’t or probably won’t happen (except #4 & #6) and asking you to think about how you might handle them, as well as the ones that have already happened.

The CDC helps us figure out how to deal with a zombie pandemic. (Item #1) What do you do if a category 3 hurricane is headed for NYC? (Item #2) These several worst-case disasters of the future could prove challenging. (Item #3)

Food disasters? Really? (Item #4) Here’s advice on surviving the Zombie Apocalypse. (Item #5) Sinkholes have been in the news a lot this year; here’s one that’s ongoing. (Item #6)

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Insurance

Organizations have typically viewed business continuity plans as insurance against disruptions, but that is not necessarily the case. Even if you have a plan, you still may need business interruption insurance to aid in your recovery.

Since business interruption concepts are intimidating to some involved in crisis management, a good place to start is with an understanding of some of the basics. (Item #1) Business interruption coverage is designed to provide additional money to cover specific kinds of losses and expenses. (Item #2) Before getting interruption insurance, here are some issues to consider. (Item #3)

There are several important points to consider around business interruption coverage and many lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy. (Item #4) What should you do about payroll insurance? (Item #5) Do you have these 13 types of insurance for your business? (Item #6)


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Crisis Communications

If your organization had a crisis today, would you be prepared to handle communications around the event? These articles provide many tips for preparing for and making it through a crisis - with your business and reputation intact.

The basic steps of effective crisis communications are not difficult, but they require advance work in order to minimize damage. (Item #1) When events are unfolding and everyone is searching for information, it is in the organization’s best interest to use as many of its employees as possible to support the crisis communications effort. (Item #2) Here are some crisis communication tips that your brand can take from some experts in disaster relief. (Item #3)

How can you best help your organization communicate effectively in a crisis? (Item #4) The best thing possible is to get in front of a crisis so that you can define the narrative. (Item #5) The short story: ultimately, social media’s role in a PR crisis is a support role to corporate communications. (Item #6)

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Meetings & Events

It has been said that Murphy was a meeting planner. If you are in charge of events for your organization, you know it is true. I am sure you have experienced meetings where anything that could go wrong did; were you prepared enough? It is true you cannot plan for everything, but the more planning you do the better you will be able to handle just about anything that happens. This issue can help you plan for the unthinkable.  

To help insure you stage a successful event, it helps to pay attention to a famous quote. (Item #1) To understand the risk and exposure they and their companies face, experts say, event planners must first understand the fundamental difference between emergency preparedness and security — both of which are critical. (Item #2) What can a planner do in a crisis situation to protect their program? Here are four tips. (Item #3)

Meeting planners who have felt the impact of natural disasters on their events say having a contingency plan is no longer optional—it is a must. (Item #4) One disruption that is often hard to predict is a hotel or convention center strike. (Item #5) This checklist of to-dos gives a framework for dealing with potential crises. Here are the basic steps. (Item #6)

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Fire Preparedness

Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12. Since 1925, Fire Prevention Week has been observed in the week containing October 9, to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of October 8-9, 1871, and as a way to inform the public about fire prevention. More recently, October was named Fire Prevention Month. This issue focuses on fire safety in the workplace, but we can not forget safety at home as well (see Item #6).

This five-part article on from facilities.net offers good information on fire safety. (Item #1) Regardless of its size, a business should identify the most significant fire hazards and determine how to eliminate or reduce them. (Item #2) Fire and safety training empowers workers to create and maintain a safe environment. (Item #3)

If you are wondering about sprinkler systems, read about these myths and whether or not they are true. (Item #4) Here are some tips on developing a fire protection plan for your business. (Item #5) This article will help you create a fire safety plan for your home. (Item #6)