Take 5 - Business Continuity Discussion Topics

The purpose of the Take 5 business continuity discussion topics is to engage employees and colleagues on your company's plan(s) to respond to potentially critical situations. Take 5 minutes, once a month, to present the situation and gather the responses. These quick discussions can happen during a morning meeting, at the water cooler, during weekly correspondence via e-mail, or virtually anywhere. Engage your employees on your organization's business continuity planning efforts and how they would respond to an emergency situation.

Come Back Every Month for 2 New Scenarios!

Scenario 1: Loss of Power

The workday has started at 8:00 AM and all employees have reported to work to begin their daily activities. Across the street, there is a new corporate facility being built with lots of activity due to construction crews coming and going. At 9:15 AM, your facility goes dark and everything within your facility comes to a halt.

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you react?

2. Who do you need to report this information to?

3. Do you have relationships built with the local power company?

4. Do you have relationships or contact information for your neighboring businesses?

5. Is there anything within your facility that would need urgent attention?

6. Is there anything critical to your mission/job duties that would be impacted due to the loss of power?

Scenario 2: Access Restriction

A chemical explosion at a neighboring business has resulted in all access routes to your facility being closed or blocked. Your employees are turned away by law enforcement as they attempt to get to work. The telephone lines are becoming overwhelmed due to these customers and employees calling in to inquire about next steps.

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you react?

2. Does your company have an emergency contact list for all employees or a way to provide your employees with emergency notifications?

3. Have you identified critical employees? Do critical employees have a way to work from alternate locations?

4. Have you identified redundant facilities to continue your companies core operations?