Nine-steps for pandemic planning
“The question”, adds Tabb, “is what firms do to combat the potential swine flu pandemic once you dial down the fear and allow cooler heads to prevail?” To answer this question, the TABB Group has published a nine-step plan for firms to use in preparing for a possible phase 6 level pandemic: 1. Do not panic: The presence of a new strain of flu does not mean that the world is coming to an end. Flu pandemics occur on average once every 25 to 30 years. The last major one occurred in 1968, and while they do occur, not every flu pandemic gives rise to a national emergency. Before making rash decisions, consult with an expert, validate your information and ensure that you are acting on reliable information, not cultural zeitgeist and media palaver. 2. Educate your team: Explain what they can do to protect themselves by washing their hands, the best defense in contracting the disease; covering their mouth when sneezing; and understanding symptoms correctly. 3. If you have a plan, test it: this reinforces a firm’s commitment to taking issues associated with pandemics seriously. Test baseline-planning assumptions to determine and ensure they remain valid. Demonstrate your commitment to the continuity of the business. 4. No plan? Develop one: The great pandemic of 1918 lasted over 18 months, and while there is no indication that this pandemic will last as long, time is on your side. Pull together a team of operations, logistic, technology and planning experts and begin developing a business continuity plan. 5. Communicate: Firms survive or fail based on their ability to communicate prior to, during and following a crisis. Communicate to staff and customers, ensuring they understand a plan is in place and their assets are safe and accessible. 6. Use technology effectively: Understanding your technical footprint is critical to gaining a clear understanding of what can be realistically accomplished. 7. Understand what can be accomplished: Maintain a flexible approach to telecommuting. Firms with a distributed work environment are more likely to operate, maintaining the status quo during a pandemic. Unfortunately, whether it has to do with technology, compliance or logistics, not every firm’s business lends itself to telecommuting or a distributed work environment. Understand what can be accomplished in a short amount of time, then plan realistically to succeed. 8. Know your next step: Being caught ‘flat footed’ is not an option. Think about future contingency plans. 9. Again, do not panic: Panic can lead to poor decision-making. If an incorrect decision is made, stop, reassess the situation and readjust your course. “Anyone following local, regional, national and international news during the past 48 to 72 hours would be hard-pressed not to believe that Death, the Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse, is about to arrive at your doorstep, demanding his toll. Avoid the media hype, pay attention to proper hygiene, plan for the continuity of your business and know that the end of life as we know it is not just around the corner and the only thing that remains is to turn out the lights and wait for the end,” cautions Tabb. Alex Tabb is an expert in international affairs, with specialization in the developing world, crisis management, international security, supply chain security and travel safety and security. He joined TABB Group in October 2004 from Kroll Inc., the international risk consulting company, where he was the associate managing director of their Security Services Group.
•Date: 30th April 2009• Region:US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning |
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