Disaster and business recovery resource available on IFMA's Web site

Citation

(2002), "Disaster and business recovery resource available on IFMA's Web site", Facilities, Vol. 20 No. 1/2. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2002.06920aab.008

Disaster and business recovery resource available on IFMA's Web site

Disaster and business recovery resource available on IFMA's Web siteKeywords: Disaster recovery, Facilities managers, IFMA, Terrorism

Only one in four survey respondents have a terrorist response plan

In rapid response to the needs of its members whose responsibilities include disaster recovery and business continuity issues, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) created a Web portal devoted to this purpose on Tuesday, September 11, a day of national tragedy in the USA.

The site, accessible at: http://recovery.ifma.wego.net or as a link from IFMA's Web site: http://www.ifma.org, lists business resources; members of an emergency response forum; articles, conference proceedings and recommended texts on disaster recovery issues; and surveys on emergency planning for facilities.

During its first day online, IFMA's members and others visiting the site responded to a quick survey regarding the plans their companies have in effect:

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  70 percent of respondents have a disaster recovery plan;

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  71 percent have a business continuity plan; and

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  only 26 percent have a terrorist response plan.

More than 200 e-mail messages from people offering condolences, support, expertise and resources were received within the first few hours. The site also includes a bulletin board for IFMA members to post their messages and a statement about the national tragedy from IFMA Chair Geert Freling, CFM, CFMJ; and IFMA President and CEO Dennis L. Longworth, CFM, CFMJ.

The statement says:

International Facility Management Association offers its condolences and prayers to Americans everywhere, to those who live and work here, and to those around the world who have been similarly threatened. Despite this setback, life and business will continue. The Association and its members have a history of meeting workplace challenges. The leadership role of the facility manager is more critical than ever. Throughout the world, people will be returning to work trusting in facility management and their organizations' plans to address situations of this nature. IFMA also stands ready to make available any and all resources at the Association's command. IFMA will take a leadership position in identifying, coordinating and delivering resources on disaster planning and recovery; security; and other critical issues for safe and productive workplaces.

IFMA is the Houston, Texas-based professional association for facility management with approximately 19,000 members in 130 chapters and more than 54 countries.

The organization offers networking opportunities through its regional chapters and councils structure, provides certification and educational programs, conducts research, spots trends and assists facility managers in developing skills and strategies to manage the human, structural and real estate assets of an organization. The combined purchasing power of IFMA's North American members is $64 billion (US) annually.

For more information, visit the Association's Web site at: www.ifma.org