Can you say Eyjafjallajokull?  Here are some unbelievable photos from the volcano.

Continue reading Iceland Volcano photos

Tags: Eyjafjallajokull, natural disasters, pictures, volcano

Although the possibility of natural disasters propels many companies to conceive or update disaster recovery (DR) or business continuity (BC) plans, most major business interruptions are more mundane.

Continue reading Disaster recovery and business continuity planning strategies for natural disasters

Tags: natural disasters

A new security assessment of the nation’s private-sector computer networks from the Department of Homeland Security says some of the most worrisome vulnerabilities reflect the open structure of the Internet itself.

Continue reading Natural disaster could multiply hacker dangers

Tags: cybersecurity, homeland security, Internet security, natural disasters

One key aspect of disaster recovery planning has traditionally been about returning to business as usual after a natural disaster. But what if the effects of natural disasters could be avoided altogether? Is it time for the serious corporate contingency planner to consider proactive planning efforts geared toward mitigating or even preventing natural disasters?

Continue reading Can Commercial Enterprises ‘Prevent’ Natural Disasters?

Tags: Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, natural disasters, tropical storms, volcanoes, wildfires, wrobel

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Homeland Security Standards Panel (HSSP) has published a Workshop Report on the need for standards-based solutions to assist individuals with disabilities and special needs during emergencies or natural disasters.

The report details the purpose, scope, findings and recommendations, and next steps of the ANSI-HSSP Workshop on Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, held February 3–4, 2009, at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

Continue reading ANSI-HSSP Releases Workshop Report on Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities

Tags: ANSI, buildinge vacuation, disabilities, evacuation, natural disasters, special needs

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently released a report, Impact of Earthquakes on the Central USA, which presents the findings of a two-year study on the impact of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on states in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ).

Continue reading Study: Impact Of 7.7 Quake on New Madrid Seismic Zone

Tags: Business Continuity, disaster preparedness, Disaster Recovery, Earthquakes, natural disasters, natural hazards, quake

Risk Management Solutions (RMS) recently announced the results of a study analyzing the impact of a major earthquake on the Hayward Fault in California. The study marks the anniversary of the 1868 Hayward Earthquake (which ruptured the southern section of the fault 140 years ago during October) and was conducted in collaboration with research seismologists led by the US Geological Survey.

Continue reading Study: Economic Impact of a Major Earthquake on California’s Hayward Fault

Tags: disaster preparedness, Disaster Recovery, earthquake preparedness, natural disasters, Risk Management

The world’s first global earthquake model being developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will be sponsored by Willis Group Holdings, an insurance brokerage firm.

Continue reading Willis to Sponsor World Earthquake Model

Tags: earthquake, earthquake hazard, earthquake mitigation, earthquake preparedness, natural disasters

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently published a new report entitled Disaster Recovery: Past Experiences Offer Insights for Recovering from Hurricanes Ike and Gustav and Other Recent Natural Disasters.

The report seeks to capture some of the main disaster recovery lessons that have emerged from six major disasters that occurred from 1989 to 2005.

Among other things GAO found the following insights:

• Create a clear, implementable, and timely recovery plan. Effective plans provide a road map for recovery.
• Build state and local capacity for recovery. State and local governments need certain capacities to effectively make use of federal assistance, including having sufficient financial resources and technical know-how.
• Implement strategies for businesses recovery. Business recovery is a key element of a community’s recovery. Small businesses can be especially vulnerable to major disasters because they often lack resources to sustain financial losses.
• Adopt a comprehensive approach toward combating fraud, waste, and abuse. The influx of financial assistance after a major disaster provides increased opportunities for these things. Looking for ways to combat such activities before, during, and after a disaster can help states and localities protect residents from contractor fraud as well as safeguard the financial assistance they allocate to victims.

To download a copy of the report, click here.

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When a Hurricane or Flood Threatens:
- How do we maintain mission-critical operations?
- How do we protect and recover our workforce?
- How do we protect business assets?
- How do we recover from a catastrophic event?

The COMPLETE HURRICANE & FLOOD PLAN FOR BUSINESS provides a step-by-step planning template.

Tags: hurricane preparedness, natural disasters