| | JULY 20239CIOReviewTesting Your PlanMake sure that your plan is realistic and that you can implement it in the event of a disaster.Taking these steps can help ensure your business stays resilient, which can help your company avoid financial losses, minimize disruptions to your operations, and protect your reputation. But what about you? Can you personally stay calm and keep everyone connected amid a crisis? Your team's capacity for key decision-making during times of stress will be significantly better if you have executed and practiced your BC plans and completed your business impact analysis (BIAs) in addition to having run incident tabletops with firm leadership. As part of our Jefferies BC training strategy, we also provide life skills for the workforce as it relates to resiliency planning. For example, imagine you are working remotely, lose WiFi service and essential work tasks must be completed within two hours. What alternatives do you have? There is your company-provided MiFi hotspot, your cellular WiFi hotspot on your work-issued device or your device, or even WiFi at a nearby library or coffee shop or at the home of friends and family who live nearby.Of course, a WiFi outage is hardly the most serious test of your resiliency. More detailed personal continuity planning can help you stay safe, protect your family, and give you peace of mind amid more severe threats. Here are some time-tested tips.Make a disaster kit. It should include essential items such as food, water, first-aid supplies, and a flashlight, as well as items that are specific to your needs, such as medications or important documents.Evacuation plan. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, you should have a plan for evacuation, including where to go, how to get there, and what to take with you.Learn about the risks in your area. Every area has different risks, so it is important to learn about the specific risks you may face. This information can help you make informed decisions about how to prepare for a disaster.Stay informed about the latest threats. Access a wide variety of sources by following local and national media as well as official sources of information, such as your local government or the National Weather Service.Talk to your family about contingency planning. You should have the conversation frequently and include what to do in an emergency, where to meet up if separated, and how to communicate with each other.Every person, every organization, and everyone in the financial services community should be prepared for the inevitable day when our personal and business resiliency is tested. Remember to be nimble, thoughtful, creative, and prepared to maintain a minimum 'mission critical' set of services while repairs are made. Prepare for the worst and expect the best from your people who are armed with decision-making experience, alternative processes, and the survival skills needed to make it through rough times. Every person, every organization, and everyone in the financial services community should be prepared for the inevitable day when our personal and business resiliency is tested. Remember to be nimble, thoughtful, creative, and prepared to maintain a minimum `mission critical' set of services while repairs are made
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