Business

• Are your plans custom made to each business?
   

  Yes.  Our analysis is focused on the vulnerabilities and exposures within your company. A “fill in the blank” canned program will be placed on the shelf and never used, or possibly forgotten in a crisis.

• Do you test your plans with client companies, once you¹ve completed an assessment?
   

  Absolutely. The success of any emergency plan depends on routine testing, audits and updates. Practicing emergency response helps assure that you and your staff can proceed predictably in an actual emergency. Test exercises also diagnose any problems or weaknesses in the plan so that it can be amended.  With testing and audits, management can assess how comfortable and competent the employees are in performing emergency response functions and duties.  Organizations should rehearse their emergency response plans the same way they stage fire drills and complete IT backups.
• What are the chances a company will ever need the kind of services you provide?
   

  The better question is, how much are you willing to risk?  It is the unexpected, unanticipated nature of disasters that complicates an organization’s ability to survive the damage.  You may never suffer from an act of terrorism like 9/11, or a catastrophic storm like Katrina.  But consider: OSHA reports that workplace shootings are the second most common cause of workplace deaths.  This winter’s violent storms and unpredictable weather shut down companies throughout the country, sometimes for days.  

• What does Disaster Due Diligence mean?
   

  Disaster due diligence describes the process in which a company acknowledges the crises and emergencies that might arise, surveys  its vulnerabilities to those contingencies, and adopts a comprehensive continuity plan for every phase of disaster control  – from prevention to consequence management.  We use the Preaction model:  Predict. Plan. Perform. to assess needs and develop appropriate processes and systems to protect our clients.

• What does Firestorm do that a company can¹t do on its own?
   

  Firestorm brings years of expertise to the analysis and planning process.  When we conduct a vulnerability analysis and prepare a business continuity plan, we provide extensive expertise in security, governance, insurance, human resources, crisis communications and media relations.

• What does it cost to have Firestorm evaluate my company?
   

  Firestorm offers to all prospects a free, one-hour consultation.  We then prepare a custom proposal based on the unique needs of your organization.
• What should employees do to prepare on the personal level today?
   

  Download and read, “Disaster Ready People for a Disaster Ready America.”  Firestorm principals Harry Rhulen and Jim Satterfield published this very comprehensive guide to prepare yourself and your family in the event of a crisis or disaster.  You can also request free copies of the book for your friends, family and co-workers.
• Why should companies worry about contingency plans, other than for their IT systems?
   

  Because organizations are run by and for people.  Of course, sustaining the IT infrastructure is critical. But, if your employees can’t travel to work, or lack electrical power to access the organization’s IT system, the company grinds to a halt.  Always keep in mind:  every crisis is a human crisis. Your IT infrastructure won’t take the initiative to physically protect your employees and facilities, it can’t respond to the press, or explain to stakeholders how and why the situation ended as it did.  IT can’t be held accountable – but you can, and will.

Family

• What should families consider in developing an emergency plan?
   

  Here are a few basic factors to help you begin:

  ·      Acknowledge that a disaster can happen to your family.

  ·      Make a list of the risks you and your family might encounter, and any special circumstances you need to consider.  For example, do you live in a tornado or hurricane zone?  Do you live in a densely-populated area where a pandemic might rapidly spread?  Are family members living in separate cities (elderly parents, college students)?  Your plan needs to factor in these conditions and vulnerabilities.

  ·      Develop a communications plan.  This will include a process for notifying one another in an emergency, and designating a safe place to assemble.  

  ·      Put together a family evacuation kit including information such as bank account numbers, proof of residence and insurance policy numbers.

• What should families consider when there are pets at risk?
   

  During recent catastrophic events, like Katrina and 9/11, family pets were not only overlooked, but individuals refused to leave their premises without their pets. Most facilities that provide shelter during emergencies do not permit pets to stay with their owners. Please download a copy of our book, “Pet Disaster Preparedness Planning Guide,” to learn how you and your family can ensure that “No Pet is Left Behind.”
• What tips can you suggest to families about communicating during an emergency?
   

  ·      Examine your own communications habits and customs—don’t adopt a process unless everyone is comfortable with it. 

  ·      Factor in contingencies such as extended loss of power. Select a cellphone that accepts an auxiliary battery, and have at least one non-remote phoneset for your landline. 

  ·      Children should know their parents’ first names.  Teach them their address and phone number as soon as they can reliably remember it. 

  ·      Don’t rely on cell phones for emergency communications.  In every recent large natural disaster and crisis, cell phone networks were quickly overwhelmed.   

  ·      College students and their parents should agree on way to keep in touch that accommodates the student’s changeable schedule and need for privacy.  A simple text message, “Let me know that you are safe,” allows your child to reassure you quickly without a lengthy conversation. 

  ·      If you are responsible for an elderly relative, have at least two phone contacts of caregivers or nearby neighbors.  

  ·      Finally, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.