Multiple bank accounts, extra food and water, alternative computer backup and a company-wide emergency call-in number are just a few of the things firms should have in place to help them financially survive a terrorist attack, said Greg Pellegrino, chair of the Homeland Security & Defense Business Council.
Most small and medium-sized businesses don’t have up-to-date business continuity plans, studies have found, and would be significantly hurt by a disruption lasting more than 24 hours, Pellegrino told The Examiner.
The D.C. area in particular has ranked lower than other metro areas for preparedness in the past, Pellegrino said
To raise awareness about precautions smaller companies may not have considered, the council, in partnership with the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area, is hosting a symposium today on setting up resilient communications, finances and logistics.
Firms should have a consistently updated communications list with multiple methods for contacting employees, and a phone number employees can call to report in to the employer. There should also be a number family members can call to locate employees, said Pellegrino.
Smaller businesses should consider how they would gain access to their finances in case of a disaster. Firms should set up relationships with multiple banking institutions, and allow multiple individuals to have access to the accounts. All types of insurance policies should be in order also, said Pellegrino, so benefits can be received. Aside from financial concerns, businesses should prepare to protect their intellectual capital by implementing alternative methods for retrieving and backing up their data and records.
Logistics planning is needed including laying out evacuationroutes and how people would leave. Firms should also have an up-to-date store of essential supplies such as food and water in case of prolonged stays in the office.
Companies also need to think about disruptions in another parts of the world said Pellegrino, especially if suppliers are based in these areas. are necessary. The key is to “diversify” in these areas, he said, and set up redundant or multiple supplier relationships.
