Sunday, March 9, 2008

Disasters

When one considers that the number of declared major disasters nearly doubled in the 1990's compared to the previous decade, preparedness becomes an even more critical issue. Though each situation is unique, any organization can be better prepared if it plans carefully, puts emergency procedures in place, and practices for emergencies of all kinds There is a definite need for emergency planning and coordination in business and organizations in the event of natural disasters or a mass pandemic, starting with the implementation of a data base of employees. According to Homeland Security Council “The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that a pandemic on the scale of the 1918 outbreak could result in a loss of 5 percent of gross domestic product, or a loss of national income of about $600 billion”. These figures don’t account for the loss of income from employees and the financial strain on their families.