Glen Wilson’s Post

One morning last week my other half left for work on time, worthy of a post alone seeing as we’re also dragging 2 kids to school kicking and screaming as well. She’s normally one of the first in the office, but today she pulled up outside and saw a message to stay home as there was a power cut but being outside and seeing the lights on, she knew something was up! She walked in and was told there was a disaster recovery test and she needed to go and work from home. Very good stuff from her organisation so far, but here’s where it starts to fall apart. My wife likes to work from the office and often leaves her laptop there to save lugging it to and from work, there’s never been any directive to mandate or highlight the risks of this before. Last week was no exception, the laptop was on her desk ready to crack on with her tasks today, so when she was told there was a power cut, she picked up her laptop and went home. Let’s expand this a little more, what if this was some kind of natural disaster like a fire, flood etc, I doubt she’d have been so keen to go into a burning building to retrieve her laptop, and even if she did, she was one of many who leaves their laptop day in day out. So, what happens now? Whoever is leading the disaster recovery rehearsal will report back to the business that everyone was able to work from home if they lost the building and everyone involved will give themselves a big pat on the back. In reality, they will have missed huge red flags that could have been identified and actioned so if there was a real incident could help the business be operational a lot quicker. If only they knew someone who has a workarea recovery centre around the corner 😊

Typhoons are powerful natural disasters that can strike unexpectedly and with devastating force. For workplaces, being prepared is not just a legal requirement—it's a matter of protecting lives, minimizing damage, and ensuring business continuity. Emergency preparedness for typhoons is especially critical, given their potential to cause severe flooding, wind damage, and power outages. A robust emergency plan starts with awareness and training. Employees should know evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and safe areas within the building. Regular drills and simulations can help reinforce these protocols, ensuring everyone knows what to do when a typhoon strikes. Additionally, workplaces should secure equipment, create communication plans, and have emergency supplies on hand. Investing in emergency preparedness is an investment in safety, resilience, and peace of mind. It ensures that employees feel secure, even in the face of unpredictable natural disasters, and that business operations can recover quickly with minimal disruption. Preparing for typhoons isn't just about compliance—it's about creating a workplace that truly prioritizes the well-being of its people. If you need guidance on developing and implementing a workplace emergency preparedness program, feel free to send me a message here in my chatbox. Let's talk about ensuring the safety and security of your workplace.

With wildfire risks on the rise, protecting the workforce is more critical than ever. This article from Aon outlines strategies to safeguard employees, such as developing comprehensive risk assessments and providing emergency response training. As wildfires increase, companies must take proactive steps to ensure their teams' safety and business continuity. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 58,985 wildfires occurred in the U.S. in 2022 alone. What strategies does your organization have in place to protect its workforce from natural disasters? Read more here: https://bit.ly/4dagcaw #RiskManagement #WorkforceSafety #WildfireRisks #BusinessContinuity #EmergencyPreparedness

Preparing Your Business for Disaster: Key Steps Before, During, and After No business is immune to the effects of disasters, whether natural or man-made. The key to minimizing damage lies in preparation and having a robust continuity plan in place. Here’s how to effectively prepare your business and protect your employees during a crisis, as recommended by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. 1) Before a Disaster: Proactive Planning The time to prepare is before disaster strikes. Develop a business continuity plan that outlines critical steps to keep your operations running, even under the worst conditions. Encourage employees to also create personal emergency plans for their families to ensure they are prepared at home. Consider how a disaster might affect your supply chains, communication systems, and access to your workplace. What’s your plan if the roads are blocked or communication systems go down? Thinking ahead will reduce the impact on both your business and your team. 2) During a Disaster: Staying Safe and Informed In the midst of a disaster, safety is the top priority. Review your continuity plan and ensure your employees understand their roles. Keep an eye on emergency updates from local authorities and follow their instructions carefully. If evacuation becomes necessary, secure your business and leave the premises when directed. It's crucial to remember that emergency responders may not be available to assist you during the event, so it’s essential to prioritize personal safety. 3) After a Disaster: Assessing and Acting Once the danger has passed, re-entering your business requires caution. Wait for official clearance and follow any safety guidelines from local authorities. Assess the damage and take temporary measures to prevent further issues. Document everything through photos or videos before beginning any repairs, and contact your insurance company to start the claims process. When hiring contractors for repairs, ensure they are licensed and certified to avoid future complications. Taking the time to create a disaster plan and act swiftly before, during, and after an event can save your business from unnecessary damage and losses. By following the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s recommendations, you can better safeguard your business and its future. #businesscoach #mentor #BusinessContinuity #DisasterPreparedness #CrisisManagement #EmergencyPlanning #BusinessSafety #FloridaEmergencyManagement #BusinessResilience #StaySafe #RiskManagement #DisasterRecovery #ProtectYourBusiness #BusinessStrategy #BusinessPlanning

A disaster preparedness plan can help make sure you and your small business are ready for the unexpected.

Ensuring Business Continuity: The Essentials of Emergency Preparedness In 2020, we learned that emergencies could strike unexpectedly, leaving businesses vulnerable. Whether facing natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, medical crises such as the pandemic, or human-caused accidents, the importance of preparedness cannot be overstated. As businesses strive to mitigate risks in unpredictable times, understanding these preparatory steps can significantly influence business resilience and continuity. Learn more about preparing your business for an emergency here: https://lnkd.in/g8yJ6YpD #McDonoughLawGroup #LegalServices #Preparedness #BusinessRisk

🌪️ When #Disaster strikes, every second counts. Did you know that effective communication during crises can significantly reduce downtime and save lives? Many businesses face challenges during #emergencies, whether it’s a #naturaldisaster, #cyberattack, or #civilunrest. Without a clear communication strategy, the chaos can lead to confusion, delayed responses, and even greater losses. #emergencymassnotificationsystems can transform how organisations respond to crises. By delivering instant alerts across multiple channels, these systems ensure that everyone knows what to do and when to act. Imagine being able to send location-specific notifications to employees in affected areas, all while receiving real-time updates on their safety. Want to learn more about how Crises Control can drive faster disaster recovery for your business? Click the link to read the #blog: https://lnkd.in/e_mwWU3F

👉 Is your business prepared for the next natural disaster? Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters, posing significant risks to businesses worldwide. In 2023, natural disasters caused approx. $291 billion in economic losses globally. Key steps to enhance your disaster preparedness: Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment: Identify the specific natural disasters that could impact your business based on your location and industry. This includes earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. Develop a Comprehensive Business Continuity Plan: Ensure that your business can continue operating during and after a disaster. This plan should include backup locations, remote work capabilities, and communication strategies. Invest in Resilient Infrastructure: Strengthen your physical infrastructure to withstand natural disasters. This might include reinforcing buildings, installing flood barriers, or upgrading electrical systems. Train Employees on Emergency Procedures: Regularly train employees on what to do in the event of a disaster. This includes evacuation plans, emergency contacts, and first aid training. Regularly Review and Update Insurance Coverage: Ensure that your insurance policies cover the specific risks your business faces. This might include business interruption insurance, property insurance, and liability insurance. Create a Crisis Communication Strategy: Develop a plan for communicating with employees, customers, and stakeholders during a disaster. This includes having a designated spokesperson and using multiple communication channels. Establish Partnerships with Local Emergency Services: Build relationships with local emergency services and government agencies. This can help ensure a coordinated response during a disaster. Remember, being prepared isn't just about protecting assets - it's about ensuring your business can continue serving customers and supporting employees when they need you most. What's your biggest concern when it comes to disaster preparedness? Let's discuss in the comments. #DisasterPreparedness #BusinessContinuity #RiskManagement #1ClickPolicy

Enterprise Climate Risk Management is in a big way about keeping your employees safe. Some people come at it from business reasons (if their home is flooded, they can't work!) Others from human reasons (anything I can do to keep my employees and their families safe, I will do.) Regardless, with almost 250 people killed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and almost $200b in economic loss, companies can do more. I wrote about 5 actions companies can take to protect employees in this week's Beehive Climate blog. 1. Disaster alerts 2. Home insurance evaluation 3. Company-sponsored evacuation policy 4. Power & internet backup generators 5. Emergency preparedness kits & trainings Which do you implement today? Which do you think will give your employees the most safety and value? #climaterisk #esg #employeesafety #hurricane https://lnkd.in/e2AwEkfD

RSVP below for our panel event next Tuesday on creating your company's strategic plan, including preparation for a major business interruption. All businesses leaders and executives leaders are invited to attend. Our panel will be answering the following questions: What happens if you experience a severe weather event? A cyberattack? A medical crisis? How would the company react to a significant legal situation, or unexpected leadership challenges? Every business leader’s goal should be to be proactive in prevention, but to also have an action plan in place should the unthinkable happen. Hope to see you all next Tuesday!