Are You Missing Internal and Industry Based Risks to Your Company

When it comes to conducting Risk Assessments many companies are excellent at defining local and regional risks and natural hazards such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Yet, many companies overlook internal or industry related risks quite often. These risks also have a higher likelihood of occurrence for your company and are also the most likely to tarnish your image as well.   

Consider taking a hard look at the risks that occur inside your own industry. What are those risks? What has happened inside your own company or that of your competitors over the last year? Five Years? Or even ten years? What happened to them? How did they handle it? What changes were made?

Can you come up with a plan of what your company should do to handle the same event? Better yet, can you implement steps now to mitigate or even eliminate such a risk from happening to your company?

Focusing on your internal and industry based risks will increase your visibility with clients, suppliers and industry competitors.

For more on how Continuity Company can help with your Risk Assessments Give us a call today – 877-565-8324

Disaster Preparedness for Business starts with measuring your risk which  is the first step in creating good solid and holistic business continuity and disaster recovery plans. So, how do you determine what your risks are and how do you assess them once you know what those risks are?

Most traditional methods of assessing risk are not truly measurable and are based on older methods of High, Medium, Low probability and High, Medium, and Low impact. Again, this is not really measureable and steps you take to mitigate the impact can really be assessed along with the occurrence.

If you can’t accurately measure your risks, you can’t accurately take steps to properly mitigate the impact of the risk. This is why several years ago I developed a proprietary method of risk assessment and measurement. The first step of this I will share with you and it is based on the older method, but as you will see it give you a better method of defining and measuring your risk and the potential impact across your business or organization.

With this methodology whenever you make changes or implement additional mitigations you can reassess and make continuous changes, since risks also changes periodically. It uses numbers from 1 to 5 with 1 being little to no impact and 5 being the most severe impact. This is measured across six key areas of your business giving you an average score of either L1 for the lowest risk and H5 for the highest risk.

Once you determine your highest risks you can take steps to prioritize and take steps to implement mitigations and incorporate these into your plan. Then work your way to your lowest risk and reassess and begin again. This should be a continual process to stay on top of your risks.

Click the link below for copy of our Risk Assessment Form

Risk Assessment Form

Need Assistance Assessing Your Risk? Call The Experts at Continuity Company

877-565-8324

Preparing You Today, For The Unexpected Tomorrow™

First, right off the bat I want to state that tape backup does have its place. With that said, it may not be the best solution the way you are currently using it. Tape has both advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered.

First we will cover the advantages:

1. It’s better than not having backup at all
2. Easy to Store due to small form factor (if you have the right environment)
3. Easy to use for most people

Now for the disadvantages:

1. Tapes are expensive
2. Have a tendency to “get lost” or disappear especially in off-site storage use
3. Prone to human error and mishandling – people forget to change or replace tape, dropped
4. Prone to corruption
5. Prone to degradation from heat, sunlight, humidity, moisture, liquids, dust, EMI
6. Need to be taken off-site daily to provide good disaster recovery
7. Increased risk when taken or removed from site
8. Failure prone
9. Can get stuck
10. Need replacing yearly
11. Recovery can take days or weeks to load from tape

With data backup solutions from the Continuity Company you get full automation requiring little to no human interaction, triple redundancy of data backups, granular and exchange recovery options and immediate access to files, applications and email even if the local application or server is down. Our data centers are fully secure, SAS70 Type II and AES 256 and SSL key-based encryption.

Call Now for a FREE Consultation

877-565-8324

Disaster Preparedness for Business – The Continuity Company – Preparing You Today, For The Unexpected Tomorrow™

Disaster Preparedness for business – Preparing you today, For the Unexpected Tomorrow™

Companies of all sizes struggle with business continuity and other emergency or crisis planning. Many feel overwhelmed and many more feel it is too daunting a task to take on, so they never get started.

Getting started however is as easy as making the commitment to begin your planning, who’s in charge of the planning process? Is the owner or management onboard? It is just that simple.

Once you have these answered you can move on to risks. Not sure about what you face? Just ask yourself what would have a negative impact on the business? What do you do to prevent it? Or, if you can’t prevent it, what do you do to work around the issue if it occurs?

If you still need help, that is why we are here. Give us a call and we will help you get started or take your planning to the next level. If you still need guidance try our free Business Continuity Planning Assessment forms to see where you stand today.

877-565-8324

I'm frequently asked what you should do during an earthquake, and after the yesterdays (April 4, 2010) 7.2 Earthquake in Baja California, Mexico my in box gets flooded with requests on what is best and requests for posts on earthquake safety goes up.

Though I have posted Earthquake Tips before it is buried in a hard to find place, so to please my readers and those concerned here are some recent and up to date Earthquake Tips.

Here are some USGS Earthquake Preparedness FAQ's

NOTE: These tips are directly from FEMA

What to Do Before an Earthquake

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home
   • Fasten shelves securely to walls.
   • Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
   • Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
   • Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
   • Brace overhead light fixtures.
   • Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
   • Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
   • Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
   • Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
     
     
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
   • Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
   • Against an inside wall.
   • Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
   • In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
     
     
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
   • Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
   • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
   • Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
     
     
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
   • Flashlight and extra batteries.
   • Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
   • First aid kit and manual.
   • Emergency food and water.
   • Nonelectric can opener.
   • Essential medicines.
   • Cash and credit cards.
   • Sturdy shoes.
     
     
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
   • In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
   • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
     
     
6. Help Your Community Get Ready
   • Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
   • Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
   • Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
   • Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
   • Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
   • Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

What to Do After an Earthquake

• Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
  
  
• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest emergency information.
  
  
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
  
  
• Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
  
  
• Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  
  
• Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called "tidal waves"). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.
  
  
• Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
  
  
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
  
  
• Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
  
  
• Inspect utilities.
  
  • Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
    
    
  • Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
    
    
  • Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

More information for further reading:

Southern California

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country (read online)

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country (PDF Download)

Request Free Copies of Handbook

Enchando Raíces en Tierra de Terremotos (Leer en español)

Echando Raíces en Tierra de Terremotos (PDF)

Solicite una copia impresa en español

San Francisco Bay Area Region

Putting Down Roots in EarthQuake Country Bay Area Version

Protecting Your Family From Earthquakes - Spanish and English Version

Protecting Your Family From Earthquakes - English, Chineese, Vietnamese, and Korean Version

Living on Shaky Ground: How to Survive Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Northern California

Business

7 Steps to an Earthquake Resilient Business

If you would like assistance in getting your business prepared Call the experts here at Continuity Co., LLC

877-565-8324

This was originally posted here on The Disaster Preparedness Blog by Keith Erwood

Recently I mentioned workplace violence and the need to address that issue within the business. Another type of workplace violence on the rise over the last few years is that of the Active Shooter, which is typically, but not always a disgruntled employee, customer, student or even an acquaintance of a current or former employee.

Most people consider their place of work safe and free from violence.  No one really wants to think that when they leave for work they will have to confront verbal abuse, threats, or deal with physical assaults and homicide. However, workplace violence is a growing problem and concern for both employers and employees nationwide.

In fact, according to OSHA, two million Americans are victims of workplace violence every year. Additionally, people who work in certain professions also face an increased risk of violence. These professions include anyone who exchanges money with the public; delivers passengers, goods or services; people who work alone or in small groups; healthcare workers, social service workers, probation workers, gas and utility workers, phone and cable TV installers, letter carriers, and those in the retail industry.

Employers need to consider workplace violence as having the potential of happening in their office or place of business, and need to educate employees on how to handle such issues. For instance, the employer should establish a workplace violence prevention program, and ensure that all employees know the policy and have that policy within an employee handbook for starters.

Your workplace violence prevention program should contain is a policy to carry only a minimal amount of money, make drops into the safe often. Also, avoid traveling alone and avoid unfamiliar locations and situations whenever possible.  Be sure to call the police after any violent incident, and keep a log book to document what happened.  

Employers should also have policies in place to secure the workplace to prevent and deter any potential violence by having surveillance cameras, extra lighting, alarm systems, security guards, identification badges and if possible electronic key cards for building access.

There are a great many more things to include in your policies and training but this should get you started. For more information on workplace violence feel free to contact us and review the OSHA fact sheet on workplace violence.

I have another article coming up shortly which confronts a specific workplace violence issue – The Active Shooter.