Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery: The Role of BC/DR Strategies in Disaster Planning

By Steve Hailey, PTT Product Director, Network Innovations

Business Continuity (BC) and Disaster Recovery (DR) are closely related practices. They both support an organization’s ability to remain operational after an adverse event.

As we find ourselves amidst the peak of the 2023 hurricane season, it becomes evident that the world's climate is undergoing changes right before our very eyes. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) have a higher profile than ever before. This calls for reflection on essential factors that can impact and enhance your business’ preparedness strategy.

My favorite mantra is: “Prepare for, respond to, and recover from any disaster or emergency”. And it goes beyond just communications technology; it's a fundamental aspect of any organizational preparedness plan. Selecting the right focus areas can be challenging, but there are different ways to form a solid BC/DR plan:

1. Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
   This step involves identifying and prioritizing critical functions, processes, and assets. It also means determining the potential impact of disruptions and establishing recovery time objectives. Through the analysis of various scenarios’ financial, operational, reputational, and regulatory implications, companies can efficiently allocate their resources.
   
   
2. Risk Assessment (RA)
   This is where the potential threats are identified and assessed. In our previous blog, we covered each level of the well-known P.A.C.E Plan – and found that a risk assessment is key to ensure there is comprehensive investment and understanding in all stages.
   
   
3. Proactive Measures (PM)
   In order to mitigate or lessen the chances of disturbances, it is imperative to put a range of measures in place. These could include cybersecurity and backup infrastructure. 
   
   When a disaster occurs the need to communicate is immediate. Among the most resilient backup communication and network connectivity systems are those that leverage satellite technology. What are some examples of these solutions?
    
   - For failover data, Network Innovations’ MAVERICK VSAT service provides a secure and dedicated backup solution via Satellite. The network is easily adjustable, allowing you to expand or reduce bandwidth to meet your backup connectivity requirements, particularly during peak usage periods, such as emergencies or surge situations.
   
   - For instant communications, satellite phones and Push-to-Talk devices provide coverage when traditional cell towers are damaged or destroyed.  
   
   
4. Response and Recovery (R&R)
   Response and Recovery procedures involve the immediate actions taken when a disruption occurs – with the goal of minimizing downtime and maintaining customer trust. It outlines clear roles and responsibilities, activation of emergency response teams, communication protocols, and other essential measures to ensure the safety of employees and critical assets. 
   
   
5. Testing, Training, and Maintenance (TTM)
   Testing, Training, and ongoing Maintenance are key aspects of any BC/DR plan. These activities help validate its functionality and ensure staff readiness. 

Ensuring stable connections is a huge part of BC/DR, and there are ways to ensure your communications infrastructure remains intact. Satellite connectivity can ensure uninterrupted comms, data transmission, and improved coordination – providing a more resilient approach to handling disasters or other emergencies.

Case in point: Utilizing MAVERICK VSAT, Bruce Power – a leader in emergency preparedness – has a critical line of backup communication from their command center. Should a problem arise, operators have the ability to quickly increase their bandwidth, enabling Bruce Power to maintain a robust and multi-faceted emergency response program.

While this blog post might be coming to a close, our commitment to assisting you with your communication needs and challenges is unwavering. Our teams are here to guide you through the ever-evolving landscape of effective communication, whether you're seeking guidance on preparedness planning or looking to implement proactive measures we are here to help.

Previous blog – “Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery: What is the Purpose & Benefits of a PACE Plan?”: https://blog.networkinv.com/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery-purpose-benefits-pace-plan