It's my opinion that there are three groups of agency types: (1) those without disaster plans; (2) those with plans but, for whatever reason, don't use them; and (3) those with plans who are familiar with them and ready to use them. Those without plans often claim that they serve no real purpose. It is not possible, they say, to predict every type of calamity. The variety of possibilities dictates that no single plan can cover everything. Some agencies have plans, but clearly have no intention to use them. Many have had experiences where they tried to use the plan, only to find it didn't work, or wasn't suited for the particular emergency. A great number of administrators have told me that they were required to have a plan, so prepared one, knowing it would never be implemented. Then there is that small group who developed a comprehensive plan, tested it often, and used it when the time came. If you have a plan, drills are a must. I can't tell you how often you should drill, as there is a financial component. It costs money to drill. You might consider the admonition: No drill, no plan.
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