Don't make a disaster worse

Among other things, my company, Clearview, specializes in Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity. And while this is a hot topic in IT circles, we must always remember that a disaster for business is nothing compared to a true disaster like Haiti. And as you've seen on the news the last few days, first there's the actual disaster, then there's the logistics, or lack thereof, which can make the disaster even worse.

Recently, we participated in a "Table Top" with The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, North Texas Food Bank and The Volunteer Center. A Table Top is an exercise where everyone gets together and reacts to a virtual disaster. In our case, it was a tornado and a flood in the Dallas area.

During the Table Top, incidences arise that complicate the disaster. Interestingly enough, some of the most difficult incidences were the result of well-meaning people, companies and organizations trying to help. Church groups delivering mostly perishable food had to be turned away. CEOs wanting a photo op by sending out logo'd volunteers were a major distraction. And people who wanted to volunteer as individuals to help people directly were relegated to loading and unloading boxes. All of these actions, while very well meaning, were a major distraction and disruption to the professionals who knew how to get it done. It was surprising to me how badly these actions of very good people could endanger the mission.

The lesson here is to find out how to work with organizations in your community BEFORE a disaster happens. For example, here in Dallas:

The Volunteer Center screens and educates volunteers--these are the only civilian volunteers who can actually work with people in shelters. The last thing anyone wants in a shelter or a disaster situation is an unscreened volunteer who might be a pedophile or a thief. So, march down to The Volunteer Center, get screened, trained and ready to really help.

The North Texas Food Bank handles all food for those in shelters and in need during a disaster. They are prepared in advance for disaster with food kits that are safe. Unfortunately, your wife's crockpot stew might taste great, but it can't be stored properly and randomly given at a shelter or a feeding area. Cleaning out your pantry and bringing it all in during a disaster over stresses the system and just makes things worse. Donate food during the year or donate your time. Or even better, donate cash monthly with your credit card.

The Red Cross and The Salvation Army are the real pros. Stay out of their way. They know what they're doing, and I thank God for them. Donate to them regularly. Monetary donation to all these agencies when times are good is the best way to ensure they have the resources, funding, infrastructure and people to get the job done when a disaster really strikes.