This document discusses the importance of leadership and disaster preparedness for businesses. It recommends that organizations create a business continuity plan to protect operations and employees during emergencies. The plan should outline who will lead the response, what will be covered, when and where teams will meet, and how the plan will be implemented. It also stresses regularly communicating and updating the plan, considering employee and resource needs, and reviewing the plan after events to improve it for the future.

1. Leadership & Disaster Preparedness:
Protecting Your Operation and Employees
Sharlyn Lauby, SPHR
ITM Group, Inc.
954.659.2237
www.itmgroupinc.com

2. Hurricane Wilma - 2005
Photos courtesy of Karen Unger, American Document Management

3. Other Emergencies…
• Weather (Tornado, Snow, etc.)
• Fire
• Workplace Violence
• Employee Involved in Accident

4. Business Continuity Planning
• Create
• Communicate
• Considerations
• Constant

5. Create a Plan
• Why have a plan?
• Who will be in charge? Who will be
involved?
• What will the plan cover?
• When will the plan be initiated?
• Where will the team meet?
• How will the plan be implemented?

6. Communicate the Plan
• Internally
– Employees

7. Company Files
Photo courtesy of Karen Unger, American Document Management

8. Diskettes & CD’s
Photo courtesy of Karen Unger, American Document Management

9. Employee Files
Photo courtesy of Karen Unger, American Document Management

10. In-Basket
Photo courtesy of Karen Unger, American Document Management

11. Confidential Memos
Photo courtesy of Karen Unger, American Document Management

12. Communicate the Plan
• Internally
– Employees
• Externally
– Applicants
– Customers
– Vendors

13. What should you say to applicants?

14. Customer Files
Photo courtesy of Karen Unger, American Document Management

15. Competitive Intelligence
Photo courtesy of Karen Unger, American Document Management

16. Communicate the Plan
• Internally
– Employees
• Externally
– Applicants
– Customers
– Vendors
• Talking to the Media
• Regular Meetings to Review Plan
• Communications Tree

17. Considerations During the Plan
• Recordkeeping
– Employee Files
– Computer Files
• Resources
– Food
– Lodging
– Money
– Clothing, etc.
• Community
– Organizations that can help or need help

18. Additional Considerations
• Scheduling
– Flexible Hours
– Reduced Schedules
– Telecommuting
• Compensation
– Payroll
– Cash Advances
– Unemployment Insurance
– Benefits

19. Flexible Employees!
Photo courtesy of Sun-Sentinel

20. And, Some More Considerations
• Counseling
– Employee Assistance Programs
• Employee Relations
– Day Care
– Care Packages
– Transportation

21. Constantly Improve the Plan
• After Events:
– Review Plan for Accuracy
– Make Improvements
• Always Keep Information Current

22. To Recap…
• Create the Plan
• Communicate the Plan
• Considerations During the Plan
• Constantly Improve the Plan

23. Thank You!
Sharlyn Lauby, SPHR
ITM Group, Inc.
954.659.2237
www.itmgroupinc.com