DISASTER SIMULATIONS TO ENHANCE CRISIS AWARENESS AND INCIDENT READINESS

Every organisation should have a Disaster Recovery, Incident Response and/or Business Continuity Plan these days - whether it operates in public or private sector, and whether it is small or large. In particular since recent adverse events such as the New York hurricane, the New Zealand earthquakes, the Icelandic and Chilean volcanic ash clouds, the Japan tsunami, Gulf of Mexico oil spill and global swine flu outbreak.

And many do have plans, in order to be able to confidently respond to crisis situations affecting the availability of their building, their staff, their IT systems, their voice communications or one of their critical external suppliers.

However, making a plan is not enough… and teaching people the content of the plan and their role in the event of a disaster doesn’t provide the desired results if only done by means of written instructions, traditional presentations/hand-outs and e-learning methods. A more practical approach is required for staff and other stakeholders to feel emotionally, physically and psychologically prepared for a disaster or major incident.

Disaster drills and simulations are a hands-on way to let participants experience their role and ‘be in it’ for a period of time, before a real disaster strikes. It has proven to be the only lasting method that instils clear-headedness, courage and creativity, which will be invaluable in a real-life incident.

This presentation will show you some of the key ingredients to successful disaster simulations, including the use of Audio Visual tools, social media and role plays. The presenter will share her global experiences from Australia, Africa, Asia and Europe gained during her role as Business Continuity trainer and facilitator.