Building Operating Management

The sheer volume of planning can leave facility executives feeling overwhelmed. But, says Karen Avery, a business continuity management practice leader for Marsh Risk Consulting, pandemic planning should be regarded as part of an overall business continuity plan.

“Don’t take the threat approach,” she says. “There are so many specific threats out there that there is no way you can comprehensively plan for each one separately. It is much more cost-effective to just look at the impact of the loss of any of a number of key resources — whether it is staff, key contractors, facilities, technology, or departments — and plan for it. That way you will be covered, no matter which specific threat arises.”

-- Karen Avery