10 Also check your warranties – are you compliant? It is critical to ensure that you have reviewed your insurance policy and complied with any warranties or undertakings contained therein. Also review your policy for additional extensions like SASRIA, customer extensions and additional cover you may want to claim on mitigating the effects of the disaster. This should be done annually to ensure that you keep up with the changing circumstances of a dynamic work environment. Financial considerations Have you made provisions for a disaster or emergency incident? Depending on the nature of your business, it would be prudent to keep a cash reserve for emergencies. This will provide you with access to funds pending the payout of the insurance money and should you need to engage in disaster management activities or containment measures. It may also provide you with some breathing room and time to reflect on the situation before making any big decisions. It may be worthwhile exploring options and facilities with your bank which could be accessed if required. Public relations and media management We cannot over-emphasise the importance of the role social media and the broader media play in such incidents and the fallout if managed badly, especially when fake news starts making the rounds. Managing public perception and reactions in a time of crisis is a difficult and sensitive business and your approach needs to be given careful consideration. With the reach of social media and the focus on the environment, organisations must be proactive in managing the disaster and be seen to be taking active steps in taking responsibility for the clean-up and re-establishment of the area and surrounds. It may also be to an organisation’s benefit to play open cards with the public and to embrace the media, and to seek assistance from the community. A disaster that affects an employer in an area ultimately has an impact on the whole community. Being able to respond effectively and efficiently during a disaster or crisis is a must for any organisation these days and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances critical. Having a solid disaster management plan in place is key and educating your management team and employees on that plan will ensure that your organisation survives the disaster and eventually thrives from the adversity of the situation. This article should not be used as legal advice as it is merely an opinion piece and for information purposes.
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