Eight is enough. (stages for a disaster plan) (Disaster Recovery)

EIGHT IS ENOUGH

Dealing with a disaster that threatens company operations can be a harrowing experience, to say the least. Generally the process of recovery falls into eight natural stages. If your disaster recovery team knows what to expect, the chances of surviving relatively unscathed are much greater. Use these stages as a guide when developing a new plan, or to check against a plan already in place.

Detection

At this stage, the disaster is discovered and reported. The "disaster" can be any number of events, ranging from an operator who has just deleted a master database file to a fire or even, more simply, a leak in the plumbing. In all cases, a supervisor must be advised and if possible, a formal report prepared.

Reaction

The next step is to react. Looking beyond the obvious reactions of shock, frustration, disgust, fear or "run for your life," if the disaster is life threatening and occurs during working hours, the first priority is to initiate safety procedures and evacuate personnel. Notify emergency rescue units. These units should already …