12 Sep Difference Between Disaster Recovery Plan and Business Continuity

Difference Between a Disaster Recovery Plan and Business Continuity

A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) states the essential functions of the business, identifies which systems and processes must be sustained, and details how to maintain them. It should consider any possible business disruption. A BCP covers risks, including cyber-attacks, pandemics, natural disasters, and human error.

The disaster recovery plan (DRP) is a formal document that contains detailed instructions on responding to unplanned incidents such as natural disasters, power outages, cyber-attacks, and any other disruptive events.

BCP and DR have different goals. Effective business continuity plans limit operational downtime, whereas effective disaster recovery plans limit abnormal or inefficient system functions. Combining the two plans can help businesses comprehensively prepare for disastrous events like a tornado or a significant flood.

Here are the five components of a BCP:

1. Risks and potential business impact
2. Planning an effective response
3. Roles and responsibilities
4. Communication
5. Testing and training

Disaster recovery plan example

Should the unfortunate incident, such as a flood, cause substantial damage to your commercial or residential property, a reputable, public adjuster will suggest that you carefully consider the following actions:

Take photos before and after a disaster occurs

Photos are essential in proving the extent of your damages later, while taking new photos every year or after any alterations to the property.

Back-Up Business-Critical Information

It is crucial to have a backup system in place for your rental and maintenance records as well as your communications systems. This includes storing this important information off-site in order to quickly access essential client details, financial documents, and sales histories. This preparedness is essential for effective public relations and disaster recovery efforts.

Have a Response Team in Place

Organize a claim management team before disaster strikes and assign a lead someone who is knowledgeable in insurance should handle interactions with your carrier.

Plan Now for Small Actions To Make a Huge Difference

Locate master keys to all units on your property and put elevators up to the highest floor possible.

Establish Contacts with Reputable Contractors

Ideally, you should know who you’ll call to help in your physical and financial recovery efforts. This saves you valuable time and gives you priority over others shopping for contractors after a disaster.

Protect your property from further damage

It’s your responsibility to perform emergency work such as putting up tarps, removing wet drywall and carpeting to prevent mold, as well as boarding up openings, and installing fencing, where necessary, to protect your belongings and keep others from getting hurt.

Document the damage

Photograph or videotape the scene, including the “debris pile,” before you begin any cleanup efforts. When estimating damages, do not rely solely on your historical records. Instead, secure replacement cost estimates.

Request a complete copy of your insurance policy

Read and make sure you understand your rights and obligations under your insurance policy before entering into any serious discussions or negotiations with your carrier. Seek out a professional to help you understand what your policy actually covers and, just as important, what it doesn’t.

Document all of your activities and expenses

Keep a log of all activities and save all receipts, including those for property replacement and extra expenses. This will provide the documentation a disaster recovery professional requires to present expenses to your carrier, and you will know which expenses will be reimbursed as you rebuild.

Make decisions that are best for the survival of your business

Policyholders often expect the insurance company to tell them what to do to save their business. Insurance company adjusters are simply auditors of your property insurance claim.

Hire your own experts

The insurance adjuster sent by your carrier to evaluate the damages is working exclusively for the insurance company, not for you. It’s your responsibility to document and submit your claim. Make sure you have someone on your side who knows insurance inside and out to ensure that you get a full, fair, and expedited settlement — while you concentrate on maintaining your operations, not on claim details.

Note information within this article is meant for educational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional contractor advice or disaster restoration support.

Water restoration vs mitigation

In the case of a significant flood, you’ll want to know which contractors to hire and in what order. For example, over time, a basement’s original protections fail as soil erodes, cement cracks, foundations move, and barriers fail. Poor maintenance and ignoring early signs of basement water penetration aggravate the problem.

Water restoration and mitigation are distinct processes that work together to address the damage caused by water. While mitigation focuses on preventing further harm and safeguarding property and belongings, restoration involves repairing the existing damage inflicted by water.

Unlike a classic comedic duo, water mitigation and restoration engage in a sequential dance. Often, one follows the other as they perform their respective roles. Mitigation takes center stage first, taking proactive measures to stabilize the home and halt any additional damage. Restoration then steps in to showcase its skills, diligently repairing the home and aiding in its recovery from the water-induced calamity.

To further illuminate the distinction, let us delve into the breakdown of these two processes:

Restoration:

1. Inspect the water damage.

2. Remove any standing water using extraction methods.

3. Dry and dehumidify the affected areas.

4. Clean and sanitize all surfaces.

5. Repair and reconstruct damaged areas if necessary.

Mitigation:

1. Evaluate the water situation and potential risks.

2. Take strategic measures to prevent further damage and protect the property.

3. Stabilize the environment to ensure safety.

4. Utilize expert knowledge to mitigate the negative effects of water damage.

Difference between disaster recovery plan and business continuity

In conclusion, having a well-prepared and comprehensive BCP and DRP is crucial for minimizing the impact of any disruptive event. By prioritizing risk assessment, planning response strategies, establishing effective communication, and conducting regular testing and training, businesses can ensure their resilience in the face of adversity.

Understanding the distinction between water restoration and mitigation can help property owners effectively address and repair water damage. Overall, proactive measures can significantly contribute to successful disaster recovery efforts.

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