Sample Disaster Plan

When thinking about disaster donations, corporations need to look at the whole disaster, in terms of phases.  The following is an example of a corporate disaster plan.  This plan outlines the several phases of disaster relief.  The phases include brief checklists of actions that companies may utilize to guide them with their decisions. 

Phase One Emergency Search and Rescue

·  Understand Impacts- this will include immediate employee impacts to loved ones and communities.

·  Provide Assistance-Initiate employee programs that are responsive to specific needs.

·  Conduct Operational Impact Review- Identify leadership and initiate a process to assess direct and indirect impacts, i.e., reviewing facilities, operations, supply chain and value chain resources and communities of operation. 

·  Operational Presence in the area prior to the disaster

·  Proven track record of delivering funds and services effectively

·  Existing company relationships with those of the region

A resource for locating and obtaining information on organizations involved in the relief efforts is www.interaction.org or the Commerce Department’s web site at www.commerce.gov.

Phase Two Emergency Relief Phase

Relief workers will be assessing damage and coordinating efforts to meet human needs.  The immediate need for water, food, sanitation, and shelter are the top priority.  Preventing disease and repairing infrastructure are vital to disaster recovery.  Communications, logistics and other types of technical support start become more pressing as well.   

There will come a point were technical expertise, facilities, equipment or product/services are needed which corporations may be able to donate.  These donations are of most benefit when the company’s core competencies coincide with the relief efforts.  As in the early phase and all subsequent phases it is critical to work with the local experts to help determine the best assistance a company can provide to the relief effort.  Corporations should always register their Technical Assistance and in-kind donations on the CIDI’s Register Offers page.

Action Steps

In this phase internal activities may increase and heighten to greater levels.  External activities will also continue and progress.

 Internally

·        Measuring Efforts- Begin or continue assessment activities with a focus on direct and indirect impacts.

·        Make a Plan- Prepare a set of criteria/guidelines regarding how to disperse and utilize emergency funds provided by the company directly, or collected by employees.

·        Ensuring Equity- Ensure the needs across regional, ethnic, political and other group distinctions are met in an equitable manner.

 Externally

·        Focus on the “Local”

·        Gather Information- Identify where the company can provide assistance with the maximum impact by evaluating the relief efforts greatest needs.  Make no assumptions; evaluate using data and information from reputable sources.  CIDI can direct a corporation in these efforts.

·        Non Cash Donations- Technical assistance or commodity.  The best way to ascertain donations are needed and to ensure that your offer of assistance and/or equipment reaches more on the ground relief agencies and NGO’s register your donation(s) on CIDI’s Register Offers page.

·        Do No Harm- Ensure that your efforts do not have unintended consequences.  During crises there are possibilities for corruption, political struggles, and marginalization of populations.  If possible and you have a presence in the area, work closely with and discuss potential risks and concerns with local NGO’s, relief agencies, and/or government agencies.  If you do not have the presence in the disaster area selecting and working with one of the agencies through CIDI's will be the most beneficial in meeting this goal.  

Phase Three Rehabilitation and Recovery Phase

This is the rebuilding stage, which is probably the most critical phase in terms of the long term health and survival of the affected region.  Returning to daily life for individuals in a disaster region is not only rebuilding infrastructure but also regenerating and redeveloping the economy in the region.  Corporations are in perfect position to make an everlasting and vital contribution in this area.

Action Steps

Because your involvement has been in phases to this point, your company has a good understanding of what the internal and external impacts are for the company.  Through the phases the company has gained understanding, knowledge and information on the affected region which makes this next step possible.  A company can now begin the long term planning for investment in the disaster stricken region.

·  Leverage Knowledge- Build on lessons and relationships from Phase One and Phase Two.

·  Analyze- Evaluate your company’s activities and plans on an ongoing basis.  Remember lessons learned and make them part of your new activities.  Evaluate your stakeholders on a continuous basis; be aware of your concerns and reactions from staff, customers, and local government(s).

·  Streamline Avoid Duplicating Efforts- Be sure to coordinate within and with outside organizations and companies in your field to avoid duplicating efforts that may saturate one geographic area and overlook another area in the disaster region.

·  Sustainability Planning- When thinking of investing in a disaster region, think of the future and the vast opportunities; include a sustainability plan.  Decisions may include operations and supplier choice, most importantly consider the impacts on the affected communities.  

·  Partnerships- There are great opportunities now to create public-private partnerships.

·  Monitor and Review- Monitor and track activity and investment performance from the beginning to the end to determine where you made the most impact.  This type of monitoring and reporting is beneficial to share with stakeholders and staff.