Natural disasters are an unavoidable part of life. But their impact on businesses can be reduced if they’re prepared and fully compliant with acceptable disaster recovery protocols.

Once a disaster strikes, how a business reacts within the first 24 to 48 hours largely determines whether they will fully recover or not. Statistics show that over 70% of businesses that are involved in a major disaster such as fire fail to reopen or go under within three years of the incident. Following an electrical disaster that results in a major data loss, over 70% of the companies fail within a few months.

NFPA Codes and Disaster Recovery Protocols

Developing a disaster recovery program ensure the safety of businesses and helps them continue with the least possible losses following a disaster.

It’s also the first step for complying with the NFPA 1600 (Framework For Disaster Recovery Program) which requires all businesses to have Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs in place.

The NFPA 70B code deals with Electrical Disaster Recovery and requires organizations to have a plan of action with specific and details sequence of events that should occur following a catastrophic event which affects the electrical systems.

The purpose behind NFPA 70B is to ensure that the power system is repaired and restored in a logical sequence, ensuring the safety of the company assets and the personnel.

Steps for Developing a Disaster Recovery Program:

An ideal disaster recovery program can be developed through the following steps:

1. Understand the nature of the business and the assets that you have. Keep all documentation, building and equipment schematics, and system information updated and in a safe location.
2. Define the areas of concern that need to be managed first in case of a disaster.
3. Create a safety plan that is specific to each company site and covers the key electrical aspects of each location.
4. Define the system and repair priorities and the strategy that must be followed. Make sure the company has all the necessary equipment and training to follow through with the repairs.
5. Have an open line of communication with key recovery personnel and emergency electrical repair companies for quick mobilization.
6. Ensure the emergency and temporary power sources are easily available and the standby systems are fully functional.
7. Have enough on-site provisions in case of power disconnect which can lead to temporary lockdowns.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning in Beaumont:

MHC Datacomm Inc. is a leading IT consultancy and support company in Beaumont. Our services include emergency repair of existing systems, full on-site repair, and maintenance, security system installation, infrastructure cabling, as well as disaster planning, prevention, and protection.

For more information about our services call us at 409-670-1356 or visit our website!