As I listen to the news this week and the number of H1N1 (Swine) Flu cases increases and we finally reach Pandemic status according to the WHO I wonder how many companies ever add elements to their BCP/DRP in order to be prepared to handle pandemics.
This is not the first, it wont be the last. The nature of our world these days allows for illness to be spread around the planet so quickly. Air travel is so easy and so common that the virus can jump states or countries very quickly. This is one of those items that you can’t predict based on the type of work that your business does or its physical location.
Does your business have a way to continue to function and operate if employees must stay home to care for their children because schools are closed? What would you do if a case of the Swine flu occurred within your user population? Send everyone home? Do your employees have the capability to work from home? How would you disinfect your workspace? How would you immediately care for everyone to keep them healthy?
Some basic questions that if addressed now could save your business a lot of money in the event of a pandemic later.
Wow, what timing. I was just asking myself these same questions about the company I work for. Apparently, they have no plan in place that addresses the H1N1 concern. I have a meeting set for tomorrow to discuss. I found some pretty good ideas on the CDC website.