An organization's primary site may possibly become uninhabitable after a disaster. What choices are available to the organization if this occurs and what are some considerations that might affect the decision?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The organization is faced with two choices: bulldoze and rebuild or select a new location. If the organization owns the land the building is (was) on, then the first option may be the best option. The downside is that it may be months before the organization can relocate. The business continuity solution may not be feasible for such a long-term stay, and intermediate locations may be required. In this case, the organization may have to lease temporary facilities until the new building is constructed.

Alternatively, the organization may choose to select a new location. This may be necessary when the organization cannot relocate for an extended stay at temporary locations while the primary site is reconstructed, or when the organization does not own the primary structure. The facility owner may not choose to rebuild in a timely manner, leaving the organization stuck in temporary facilities. It may be easier to find a new suitable location. The downside is that if the organization has customers that visit the primary site, they will require redirection, by mail or other means of communication. The selection of a new permanent site is a complex decision and requires a management team to identify candidate sites, coordinate on-site visits, and review the facilities before selecting a suitable replacement. Because of the scope of a disaster, permanent and temporary staff may not be available because they have had to relocate their families.