Happy New Year to all! We at MHA wish you all a successful and happy year. We have been reviewing what we accomplished last year both personally and professionally and have identified goals for this year.
We’re continuing our efforts to reduce risk and prepare our organizations for potential issues in the new year. To that end, we’re providing a list of business continuity planning resources you may not have used before. You’re probably already familiar with some of these, but you might find it beneficial to review them again as you update strategies, perform risk assessments, or identify where to focus your business continuity program.
Business Continuity Planning Resources
1. Department of Homeland Security.
Ready.gov provides lots of great information to help individuals prepare for emergency situations. Remember, as we have mentioned in previous blogs, the most important resources in an effective business continuity plan are prepared, safe, and educated people.
2. Department of Homeland Security, Preparedness Planning for Business.
You are probably all aware of the Preparedness Planning for Business website. It provides useful information for businesses, especially for those just beginning a BC (business continuity) program. It is also a good resource and reminder for all of us about key aspects of a program.
3. Department of Homeland Security, Prepare My Business for an Emergency
The Prepare My Business for an Emergency website provides useful information for developing a preparedness program using an “all hazards” approach.
4. State, County, or City Emergency Management offices.
Most states, counties, and large cities have these offices. They have information relative to local needs, resources, and risks. Often, these offices provide opportunities to participate in large-scale simulations. Here are examples for my local offices:
5. Your local first responders – Fire and Police departments.
These professionals are often willing to sit down with you and talk about preparedness and emergency response. They can also help with what to include in your plan on interacting with first responders.
6. Professional groups and organizations.
We have listed a few examples here, yet this is not intended to be a comprehensive list or a recommendation.
- Disaster Recovery Institute International (https://www.drii.org)
- Business Continuity Institute (thebci.org)
- Disaster Recovery Journal (http://www.drj.com)
- Association of Continuity Professionals (acp-international.com)
- Risk Management organizations (such as RIMS https://www.rims.org, or RMA http://www.rmahq.org)
7. BCM or DR publications and professional consultant websites.
Publications, blogs, white papers, and webinars (such as www.mha-it.com) can provide good content and a just place to start. These sources attempt to provide content that is useful. These resources come with a word of warning and in the interest of full disclosure – the content is not intended to be self-service business continuity. It is not likely to provide all the information you need to make a component or fully functional program.
8. Other business continuity (BC) professionals.
How many of you use your colleagues in other organizations as a resource? Local professional organizations provide networking opportunities that can lead you to new ideas and content. Consequently, these resources can be especially helpful with challenges or potential solutions.
9. Non-BC individuals in your organization.
We have spoken and written about this idea many times. Often, some of your best resources are within your own organizations. Talk to and get to know the leaders in the business, technology, and management areas. They can help with education, socialization, or issue resolution. You may be surprised at their level of understanding and ability to contribute once the important issues are understood.
10. Your state, local, or regional university, or even community colleges.
These are often large organizations with plans, documents in addition to people you can leverage.
Spend time on your favorite search engine. It may bring up resources you have not considered. As you think about how to improve your BC program or how to resolve outstanding issues, we hope these business continuity planning resources provide new and valuable information. You just never know where a good idea will come from.
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