1. Important points and activities

2.  The objective is to secure life, property, information in the event of a disaster and to facilitate business continuity after such a disaster.  Identify Key disaster recovery personnel, roles, timeline and contact information  Update contact information and procedure to access support services. (Emergency management, Security, Fire, Law enforcement, Health, Utilities, Insurance, Building and Electrical professionals)  Ensure funds available for urgent expenditures.  If your institution is a designated shelter, pay special attention to security arrangements

3.  Secure Computers, telephony, other office equipment and hard copy documents from water, debris, theft, fire etc.  Ensure Inventory of valuable equipment is up-to-date  Check on insurance coverage  Secure vulnerable perimeter windows and doors (taping etc)  Test security systems and services  Power off all electrical equipment before events such as hurricanes, including UPS and Main Breakers  Elevate equipment from floors, move away from windows, cover with water proof covering (e.g. garbage bags) and label.  Secure documents in Vault where necessary or elevated cabinets, cover in water proof coverings  Ensure all support vendors information is secured

4.  Secure electronic Information (databases, application software, files)  Secure inventory of applications and all data (record counts, file counts including personal My document folders, recovery disks, images and tapes  Ensure all data is backed up and secured off site.  Secure recovery information and personnel; for all application systems  Ensure vendor support is in place and response time is guaranteed

5.  Secure Personnel  Secure up to date inventory of staff (Address, contact information, next of kin etc)  Ensure staff have adequate time to get home and secure homes  Agree on a method of contacting staff after disaster  Maintain multiple contact information of staff  Assist where possible with funding to ensure that personnel can acquire the necessary supplies to survive the disaster event  Ensure adequate cash float to deal with urgent issues after disaster  Secure transportation for critical staff to recover business

6.  After any disaster, the designated team should make a proper, cautious survey of any damage including taking pictures before starting any recovery activities.  Note: Avoid any down power lines as they may still be live. Before restoring any power, ensure there is no water breach in electrical panels, electronic equipment (computers, UPS, A/C etc).  Check property, equipment, information and personnel against inventory to see where you are and choose the most appropriate path to recovery.  Update Head of organisation if not a member of the team  Communicate to customers and business partners the extent of any business interruptions.  Evoke Business recovery plan.

7.  Elements of recovery plan should start with steps to have basic level of operation up as soon as possible including reliable means of communication, requirements for food, health, transportation.  Recovery of general operations can be based on temporary services until general normality is possible