And we're off...2007 Hurricane Season is here

The 2007 Hurricane Season is well under way with the arrival of the first major system in the western Atlantic, Hurricane Dean. Is your business truly ready to weather the storm?

That's the question posed by Lisa Hyams, Founder and Managing Director of Global X Solutions, a consulting firm which specializes in disaster management. Hyams recommends proactive behavior for South Florida businesses. "Now is the time to commence with your preparations" states Hyams, "and to ensure that you have a solid contingency and recovery plan for your employees, your clients, your data - all facets of your business."

According to the latest advisory made by The National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Category 2 storm continues to intensify, increasing the potential of it reaching Category 4 strength by the time it moves through the Caribbean. Category 4 systems are identified as those with winds between 131 - 151 mph on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane scale, and with the strength for storm surge of between 13-18 feet. Extensive structural damage to roof structures, doors, windows and landscaping is likely, as is damage from flooding - and the loss of power for extended periods of time.

Hyams stresses the importance of pre-storm preparation – including the review of the existing plan to ensure that information is up-to-date, before a storm strikes. “The good news is that many businesses have a data back up system in place" says Hyams, "the bad news is that data is only one component of a much larger matrix when it comes to successfully operating a business"

Continuity plans should not only be current, but should also include specific plans for business recovery. Vital information, such as employee emergency contact information, client and vendor contacts, and even alternate site supplier information is critical. Failure to recognize this could have serious ramifications to a company’s bottom line.

Hyams should know. Prior to founding Global X, she spent ten years at Discovery Networks Latin America in Miami, where she was charged with heading their ‘ERT’ – Emergency Response Team. During her tenure, she led the division through several major events, including 9/11, workforce strikes in Brazil, Hurricanes Frances, Katrina and Wilma – and also assisted the Asia division during the SARs epidemic in 2003.

“Organizations should review their entire plan, from end to end, at least annually” states Hyams, “and for those of us in South Florida, preferably before it gets too late into the season."

Global X Solutions provides these services, as well as Emergency Response Team consulting before, during and after a crisis. "It's one thing to have a plan in place" states Hyams, "but if you've never worked through an actual crisis, it can be challenging - and costly - if you don't know when to notify your clients, when to actually make the switch to your alternate site - or even how to begin the process of clean up and recovery, particularly if insurance underwriters are involved."

For more information on Global X Solutions, contact Lisa Hyams via email: lhyams(at)globalxsolutions(dot)com, phone: (954)349-5906, or visit the Global X Solutions website: www.globalxsolutions.com.