Disaster scenarios are hypothetical situations that can threaten a business, and a comprehensive plan is necessary to restore normal operations after a disaster. Businesses should select a subset of potential threats based on likelihood and resource allocation, and document detailed scenarios for each. Testing and regular audits are important for preparedness.
Disaster scenarios are documented hypothetical situations that can threaten the operation or potentially even the survival of a business. As part of a comprehensive disaster plan, disaster scenarios and accompanying recovery steps provide the means for a business to restore normal operations after a major disaster. This comprehensive emergency kit is a very important document in the business continuity process, which is sometimes also referred to as crisis management.
Most businesses could theoretically face any number of specific disaster scenarios. It is often impossible to plan for every single eventuality, so it may be necessary to analyze both large-scale and potential small disasters. A key activity in disaster preparedness is selecting which particular scenarios should be fully documented and prepared with a contingency plan that can be executed if and when required. Business continuity planning often begins with a large list of possible threats to the business.
While a comprehensive list of potential disaster situations could be very long, company representatives can therefore select a subset from this “threat list.” The subset of threats can be chosen in part based on how likely they are to occur. Another important consideration may be whether the business is willing and able to allocate resources to mitigate threat risk and invest in recovery if needed. The final selected subset of threats can then be used to document detailed disaster scenarios for each selected threat.
A fully documented disaster scenario usually provides details of what impact it would have on the business in the event of a disaster. Business functions can be listed along with an assessment of the impact this particular disaster is likely to have in each area. Additionally, the business continuity team can document a list showing which business functions should be restored first, where possible, in order to minimize the effect of the disaster on key business functions.
Disaster scenarios can be used to build tests that can be used to prepare the business and its people for potential disasters. Such testing, also known as a contingency drill, can be performed by the business continuity team or others within the organization, as a periodic or one-time exercise. In addition to testing, regular audits of the business continuity plan and each individual disaster scenario can be considered important.
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