How do you document and share your disaster recovery plans?

1 Choose a format

The first step is to choose a format that suits your needs and preferences. You can use a word processor, a spreadsheet, a presentation, or a specialized software tool to create your disaster recovery plan. The format should be clear, concise, and consistent. It should also include the following elements: objectives, scope, roles and responsibilities, procedures, resources, contacts, and testing and updating schedules.

3 Share it widely

The third step is to share your disaster recovery plan widely. You should distribute your plan to all the people who need to know it, such as your management team, your staff, your clients, your suppliers, your regulators, and your emergency responders. You should also communicate your plan to your stakeholders, such as your board, your investors, your donors, and your community. You should use different channels and methods to share your plan, such as email, online platforms, meetings, training sessions, and drills.

4 Update it regularly

The fourth step is to update your disaster recovery plan regularly. You should review your plan at least once a year, or whenever there is a significant change in your organization, your environment, or your risks. You should also test your plan periodically, and evaluate its effectiveness and efficiency. You should use the feedback and lessons learned from your tests, audits, and incidents to improve your plan and address any gaps or weaknesses.

5 Document it properly

The fifth step is to document your disaster recovery plan properly. You should keep a record of your plan creation, distribution, review, testing, and updating processes. You should also document any incidents, issues, or challenges that occur during or after a disaster, and how you resolved them. You should use a standard format and template to document your plan and its related activities, such as a report, a log, or a checklist.

6 Follow it faithfully

The sixth and final step is to follow your disaster recovery plan faithfully. You should adhere to your plan whenever you face a crisis or a disruption, and follow the procedures and protocols that you have established. You should also coordinate and collaborate with your team members, partners, and authorities, and use the resources and contacts that you have identified. You should also monitor and report your progress and status, and adjust your plan as needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?