1. People. Hire essential personnel to respond and conduct recovery operations. Don't forget maintenance and support programs!
2. Internal Communications. Keep employees informed of the situation and what you will request of them.
3. External Communications. Inform the news media, customers, shareholders, community officials, suppliers and the general public.
4. Information Technology. Back up all software, data, systems, equipment, personnel, passwords, Internet connections and intranet capabilities.
5. Equipment. Know which are critical and unique for production/operations, how to replace/repair, alternate locations, transportation, etc.
6. Facilities. Utilize alternate work sites, keeping in mind space, data, electrical, water, sewer, telephone, furniture and unique work requirements.
7. Suppliers, Vendors, Contractors. Record who to contact, skills/products, response times, contracts in place and 24-hour contact.
8. Insurance Coverage. Do a "what if" with an insurance company, and analyze the coverage to include business interruption insurance.
9. Risk Assessment. Determine the type (natural, technological, human), location, severity, business impact and frequency of potential emergencies.
10. Preparedness. Consider plans, procedures, training, equipment, facilities, organization and coordination with other facilities and response organizations.

Gregg Beatty [embc@mchsi.com] is the president of embc and has been providing consulting services in the areas of emergency management and business continuity for 40 years.