When putting together your business continuity plans it’s not uncommon to concentrate on the elements within your control and ignore the outside world. But external influences can scupper even the best thought out plans.

The emergency services and other public authorities will take control following a large-scale incident or disaster. Their priorities of saving lives, minimising damage and apprehending criminals may not necessarily fit with your own business recovery priorities.

It is therefore a good idea to talk to these external agencies, including the police, fire officer and the council’s emergency planning officer, before the event, during the plan development phase. Being aware of how the emergency services and other public bodies will act should ensure that your own procedures are more effective.

So don’t wait until they’re too busy dealing with a disaster to talk to you!