The value of a Disaster Recovery or Control Plan is the ability to react to a threat or event swiftly and efficiently. Recognition of the need for such a plan must be present at an early stage. 

A written authorization statement makes management's support for the disaster planning process clear to all employees. The original mandate must spell out the plan's goals and objectives so that top management's expectations are met. 

Developing a Disaster Plan    Vital Records Protection Program Guide

Proficiency 

Records Management is just one of many resources available to the University. The key to having a comprehensive disaster prevention and recovery plan is to draw from all of these resources/plans. 

One of the primary resources we have identified, is the opportunity to relocate backup information and systems that are vital to our University's success, survival and reputation. Because we are a four-campus system, each campus can be a vital resource for the others as a distant off-site storage location (90 to 128 miles apart) for backup of information systems. In the event of a wide-spread disaster such as a tornado or earthquake, UM's system of wide-spread campuses could serve as off-site backup facilities with very little cost to the system. 

The Disaster Recovery Plan 

The Disaster Recovery Plan should be prepared by the Disaster Recovery Committee, which should include representatives from all critical departments or areas of the department's functions. The committee should include at least one representative from management, computing, risk management, records management, security and building maintenance. The actual size and composition of the committee will depend on the size, location and structure of the individual department or facility. 

The committee needs to prepare a timeline to establish a reasonable deadline for completing the written plan. This timeline may take the form of a Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) chart or a decision.  

Team Task Organization 

The plan must spell out the titles and functions of each team member involved in the disaster recovery process. In a small facility or department with only a handful of employees, the entire staff may become the Disaster Recovery Team with one person designated to lead the recovery effort. The person named Recovery Director or Coordinator must be given the necessary authority to declare a disaster, and to act quickly and effectively during the salvage operation. 

Information Distribution Procedures 

The plan must include specific methods for contacting team members and alternates, vendors, support agencies, suppliers, consultants and all those with whom special disaster contracts and agreements are in effect.  

Specific Disaster Reactions 

The plan must provide for both major and minor disasters and address individual and community-wide natural disasters such as tornados and general flooding. Your plan should also define in terms of business interruption what constitutes a disaster; thus, authorizing the activation of the disaster recovery plan. 

Training of Employees 

The recovery plan must provide for initial and ongoing employee training. Skills are needed in the reconstruction and salvage phases of the recovery process. Your initial training can be accomplished through professional seminars, special in-house educational programs, the wise use of consultants and vendors, and individual study tailored to the needs of your department. A minimal amount of training is necessary to assist professional restorers/recovery contractors and others having little knowledge of your information, level of importance or general operations. 

Priorities for the Restoration of Essential Functions 

Your disaster recovery plan must not only spell out which functions are vital, but also the order they are restored. This is especially critical in the vital, complex computing functions where accounts receivable, payroll and accounts payable have fluctuating priorities throughout the month. 

The plan should establish only general priorities. Leave individual decisions to managers who know which functions are critical at a specific period of the month or in a particular situation. 

Contracts and Agreements with Disaster Support Agencies 

Copies of contracts and agreements with all disaster support agencies and businesses including salvage and reconstruction consultants, available alternative sites and vendors of other essential equipment and supplies must be included in the written plan; or otherwise arranged by UM Risk Management. 

Agreements are a less formal means of providing emergency services particularly where goodwill is involved in promising help to charitable organizations, educational institutions and government agencies. The Eastman Kodak Company is one large organization that has provided reprocessing services for water-damaged film to its customers for years through informal agreements. 

Additional recovery resources should include: 

  • Local fire department

  • Police department

  • Civil defense

  • Ambulance services

  • Paper supply vendors

  • Copy machine(s)

  • Office equipment

  • Computer equipment and supplies

  • Resources for freezer space/freezer trucks

  • Local volunteers or temporary help

The disaster recovery plan must specify by name, address, position and phone number the various resources the disaster team will use. 

Disaster Salvage Equipment and Supplies 

A list of the equipment and supplies gathered for the disaster salvage kit forms part of the disaster recovery plan. This list should indicate the available items and their location. Each department must decide what items should or should not be included on the supply list. 

In House 

  • Employee identification

  • Blotting paper

  • Packaging tape

  • Freezer paper

  • Paper towels (not colored)

  • Plastic milk crates

  • First aid kit

  • Gloves - rubber

  • Flashlights/batteries

  • Sponges

  • Pencils or pens

  • Soot sponges

  • Permanent markers

  • String

  • Heavy plastic sheeting

  • Unprinted newspaper

  • Overalls

  • Camera and film

  • Mops

  • Copiers

  • Ladders

  • Pallets

  • Radios/batteries

Purchase or Rent 

  • Plastic trash cans (large and small)

  • Extension cords

  • Dehumidifiers

  • Plastic trash bags

  • Soot sponges

  • Wet vacuum

  • Water movers (squeegees)

  • String 

  • Forklift

  • Batteries

  • Generators

  • Hand trucks

  • Safety glasses

  • Labels

  • Fire extinguishers

  • Tie tags

  • Permanent markers

Blueprints and Floor Plans of Building 

This information is essential during the preparation and salvage stages to locate utility connections, electrical switches, alarms, potentially dangerous floors or ceilings, hazardous materials and access to damaged areas. Gas, water and electricity must be turned off as soon as possible after a disaster. In situations with advance warning, utilities can be shut down in advance. 

The first step in the recovery process is the restoration of climate controls. This is especially true if the damage is caused by water. Wet paper, or most any other material, will develop mold within 48-to-72 hours in a warm and humid environment. An accurate picture of access routes, storage areas and equipment locations allows the recovery team to quickly take control and assess the extent of the damage.