Business continuity planning is based on disaster recovery planning techniques that originally dealt with data processing issues (Business continuity planning..., 2005). Over time, business continuity planning has become as focused on creating effective responses to other types of crises, including those that are caused by natural disasters. Starzee (2008) argues that every business should have a business continuity plan long before a crisis occurs. Prior planning for the kinds of disasters that cannot be avoided such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and tsunamis is necessary if affected businesses are to be able to return to work activities as expeditiously as possible.
In this brief report, planning for business continuity in the event of a hurricane is described. In recent years, Gulf Coast and lower Eastern Seaboard states have been literally devastated by hurricanes, leading many different groups to recognize the necessity of creating pre-crisis business continuity plans that can be put into play as the crisis unfolds (An American tragedy..., 2005). Such plans must include recognizing that the destruction of a business facility is possible, that data must be protected, that insurance must be paid for, and backup power sources identified for facilitating cleanup or a return to operations when power sources are not otherwise available (Starzee, 2008).
Hurricane preparedness planning as described by the Texas Department of Public Safety (2003) should include pre-hurricane season planning to prepare employees and the facility itself for a crisis. Such a plan should include a set of Hurricane Task Assignments for key staff members who must then be trained to execute those tasks in a timely manner. The business facility may be located in a storm surge inundation zone or be unsafe for occupancy during high winds. It may be necessary before the hurricane hits to remove vital equipment, furnishings, and data from ...