Disaster and Contingency Planning

Filed in archive Management on September 7, 2006

This will not happen to me or I will figure something out when something happens. Yesterday, I was the featured blogger at Rosa Say's "Joyful, Jubilant Learning" forum.

I started writing a very different article but I had to change to "Disaster and Emergency Planning in the 21st Century." Why? Because I wondered if we have learned anything.

The catalyst for writing this article was a documentary I saw on A&E interviewing survivors and engineers. Two things stood out in the A&E documentary. First, an engineer stated that they need to study fire and come to a better understanding of the structural engineering and the effects of fire on these types of buildings.

Second, I was struck by the image of the chief engineer of the Word Trade Center, in the interview this man appeared old beyond his time. He had large bags under his eyes and the quote that A&E chose to use of his interview was, "I could have done a better job designing that building." I cannot imagine the burden he carries and my heart went out to him. Then I remembered something I read about Thomas Edison in the book, Uncommon Friends - Life with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, alexis Carrel, and Charles Lindbergh.

At the age of 67 Thomas Edison had to start over. His main laboratory burned to the ground. In the book Edison states that they "under-insured the building because we believed it to be fireproof." Fortunately, Henry Ford was his neighbor in Florida and when Henry heard of the news he came to Edisons' aid with a check for $750,000 and said, "If you need more just ask."

Where would Edison be had it not been for Henry Ford? I am sure he would have made out all right but certainly $750,000 changed his life. Edison later repaid Ford with interest despite Ford's objections. Via Talking Story

My article includes Top 10 Scenarios You Should 'Be Prepared' For as well as answering the questions:

• What is the Purpose of a Disaster & Emergency or Contingency Plan?


• What is an Disaster and Emergency Plan?


• What is a Contingency Plan?

I also discuss the danger of making assumptions and the value of having a Plan 'B'... I encourage you to be bold, muster up your courage and get after creating a plan to protect those you love and care about. Remember...

Planning your response to a disaster is hard work. Making a contingency plan, or Plan B just in case your assumptions about your business change or some unplanned external event hits your industry, market, or business will require resolve and commitment.