When disaster strikes, the road back to success is never a straight line. Wildfires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes—each brings unique challenges, and businesses must be prepared to navigate them with resilience. During the latest Alliance Insights Live webinar, Patrick Hardy, CRM, shared real-world experiences, insights, and strategies for disaster recovery. His stories underscored the importance of preparation, adaptability, and proactive risk management.
Redefining Disaster: It’s About Disruption, Not Just Events
One of the most thought-provoking takeaways from Patrick’s discussion was his redefinition of disaster. A hurricane in an uninhabited area? Not a disaster. A wildfire in a remote forest? Not a disaster—until it disrupts people, businesses, or ecosystems.
Understanding that disaster is about disruption shifts the focus from the event itself to how we recover from it. This perspective is crucial for risk and insurance professionals who play a key role in helping businesses and individuals rebuild.
Recovery Begins Before the Disaster
One of Hardy’s most compelling points was that recovery starts long before a disaster occurs. Planning is the key to minimizing chaos and maximizing a quick return to operations. Businesses that have a structured disaster plan can recover within days or hours, while those without can face weeks or even months of uncertainty.
To prepare effectively, businesses should:
Identify mission-critical operations that must continue post-disaster.
Train employees on contingency plans and alternative communication methods.
Diversify risk management strategies, including financial, operational, and reputational risks.
Planning for the Unexpected
Disaster recovery isn’t just about natural catastrophes. It also includes:
- Cybersecurity incidents and data loss
- Public relations crises
- Financial instability due to economic downturns
A well-rounded disaster plan includes contingencies for all types of risks. As Hardy demonstrated, preparation means businesses may never experience a true disaster—only temporary disruptions.
Key Takeaways for Risk & Insurance Professionals
Disaster is defined by disruption, not the event itself.
Recovery starts before the disaster—preparation is key.
Every business has different critical priorities; planning should be industry-specific.
Communication breakdowns can be more damaging than financial losses.
Insurance is important, but money alone doesn’t guarantee recovery.
Looking Ahead: Take Action Now
Planning ahead ensures that businesses, families, and individuals can return to operation quickly and efficiently.
Want to deepen your expertise in disaster planning and risk management? Consider earning your CRM designation through the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. Learn how to develop comprehensive disaster plans that go beyond the basics and truly protect what matters most.
Patrick Hardy helps individuals and organizations prevent disruptions from ever becoming a disaster. Drawing on his world-class expertise in disaster preparedness & response, he distills memorable lessons audiences can use to break the Crisis Creation Chain and transform every disruption into an opportunity for learning.
