Expecting the Unexpected: Staffing Companies Share Details of Their Disaster Plans

Staffing Industry Review Magazine (December 2007)

Express’ disaster preparedness plan contains step-by-step procedures for declaring an emergency and sets up a chain of command, including all departments at the company’s headquarters, explains Harvey Homsey, VP of franchise systems.

One thing Express learned from Katrina is that all departments can be affected, and all departments can contribute their specific set of skills and expertise to the effort, says Homsey.

Much of the company’s plan follows the FEMA structure and is designed to protect lives and solve immediate human needs and then it addresses detailed business recovery issues, according to Homsey.

The Reserves Network implemented a “Business Continuity Plan” in August 2004 and it has continued to evolve since then, says business development manager Nick Stallard.

The original plan primarily entailed what to do from an IT hardware and software standpoint and pertained mostly to communications and the company’s information system. It’s currently being updated to provide more detailed guidance from the Department of Homeland Security.

“This update offers individuals a more comprehensive procedure to follow for being better prepared personally and professionally,” says Stallard.

For additional information on The Reserves Network and its affiliates,  please contact: Brandon Thimke, communications manager, at bthimke@thereservesnetwork.com.