Disaster Recovery Plan Myths Could Cost Lives

It normally takes something to hit home like the latest Swine Flu Pandemic before we start to think about disaster recovery plan and what this involves for us.  Throughout the internet there are some fairly good sites offering advice on how to plan for your disaster recovery plan and then there were some scary sites that offer only myths – these could cost lives!

A look at recent disasters like Katrina where the government was forced to admit that it could have done more and acted faster to avoid lose of life.  Knowing  that the government may well have taken away important information regarding it’s own readiness plans since then shouldn’t leave you thinking that everything would run smoothly in any other disaster areas from now on.

With a pending H1N1 pandemic on the horizon, are you ready to expel the myths that surround some disaster recovery plans? 

Myths From Disaster Recovery Plans

• If something bad were to happen I just need to dial 911 (999 in UK – changes around the world) and help will be at hand.

Whilst it’s important to have a list of emergency numbers to hand, it’s also just as important to realise that in a large scale disaster, the emergency services may well NOT be at the other end of the phone.  Each emergency department has it’s own procedures but what if the staff were not able to attend work themselves?  Sure, there are plans in place but who knows how well they would work.

It’s vital for you to have your own plan of disaster recovery and to ensure that your whole family know it and understand it.  Do your children know how to contact other family members outside of the household?  Would they know when to go outside for help or when to stay inside?

Do not believe the myth that help will always be available to you.  Even if the government plans go well, it could be several hours/days before any help shows up.

• 72 Hour Basic Survival Kit Is Enough For Any Disaster Recovery Plan

Although this figure is thrown around often when talking about disaster recovery plans, it’s still a very small amount of time to be self sufficient.  Looking at the H1N1 virus a quarantine could be in place for two/three weeks.  A basic pack would not be enough to keep a family going for that amount of time.

Regardless of what is happening around the world at this point, you never know when your family could be struck down with any virus.  The sickness virus that does it’s rounds each year is very contagious so staying inside and away from others is paramount in stopping its spread. 

Having supplies to hand to last your family depending on your needs is good practice.

• I Only Need To Worry About The People In My Household

Although there might only be you and your partner living in your home, it’s vital to remember that other family members might need your help who live a long distance away.  Knowing how to reach them is vital if only for your own piece of mind.

If a disaster were to happen it could be that family member that caused you the most worry.  Having to go outside to track them down could risk your own safety and that of your family.

The more that you are prepared, the more you can help others.  Perhaps you have an elderly neighbor who might need assistance.  By helping those around you when times are difficult, you could be helping your community to get back on it’s feet faster.  If you were unprepared you too would be grateful for outside assistance.

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