ABSTRACT
Understand the conditions that influence business recovery • Identify the full range of businesses that are impacted and the vary-• ing needs that they may have Explain the purposes of business-continuity planning • Define and estimate displacement and downtime for businesses • affected by disaster Recognize that disasters both directly and indirectly affect businesses, • and that even businesses not directly impacted can sustain losses Explain steps and activities involved in business-recovery planning • Describe strategies for business resumption after disaster • Provide alternative, ecofriendly “green” rebuilding solutions for • businesses of all sizes and types Discuss various federal programs that assist businesses affected • by disasters
Introduction To understand the widespread impact of disasters on businesses, think through the types of places where you go to secure various goods and services . First, you wake up and dress for the day wearing clothes purchased locally . Next, you drive or take a vehicle to work or school using gasoline bought in the neighborhood . Along the way, you go through a drive-through for coffee and breakfast, then arrive at work where you may be an employee or business owner . During the day, you will use, interact with, or visit restaurants, dry cleaners, bookstores, fitness centers, beauty salons, grocery stores, or farmers’ markets . To do your job or operate your business will require the delivery of office supplies, parts, and packages . You will also need insurance coverage and basic utilities . Your business or workplace may be frequented by pedestrians, or by those who drive or cyber-commute . Disruptions to any of the means by which they arrive at your business can be costly .
