HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

The Houston Bar Association wants to provide some information for disaster preparation and recovery. The information is designed to protect your law office, home, employees and self, and to address issues associated with each.  While many firms already have disaster plans in place, we hope the resource links below immediately offer something to those lawyers who either do not have a formal plan in place or who want to view what others have developed.

The Law Practice Management Program of the State Bar of Texas

• When Bad Things Happen: 60 Minutes to Save Your Practice – compiled from materials developed by the American Bar Association Law Practice Management Section’s Practice Management Advisors Committee
• Planning for Disaster Prevention and/or Recovery – prepared for the Law Office Management Institute, March 23, 2003 by Roland K. Johnson of Harris, Finley and Bogle and Warren H. Gould of the Law Office of Warren Gould, Fort Worth, Texas.

Technology Related Resources for Disaster Relief – prepared by the American Bar Association

Disaster Recovery Kit - prepared by the Alabama State Bar Law Office Management Assistance Program

Personal Workplace Disaster Supplies Kit – prepared by the American Red Cross

In addition to these links, Houston area law firm administrators and staff have provided practical information to consider:

If evacuating a building:

• Speak to building management about security of the building and the building disaster plan (i.e., will the building have someone there 24 hours, even in the storm?) and security systems (i.e., do they default open with a lack of power?).  If there will not be sufficient security, important equipment should be locked behind doors that are off the building master. Lock all doors, credenzas and files before leaving. Hide valuables.
• Power off all equipment before leaving.  If the power goes off, the return power could damage computers, printers, copiers, etc.
• Perform a daily backup of your data files and verify the backup restoration. Be sure you don’t leave backup tapes in the office; even a fireproof safe could be destroyed. Have a designated off site storage for backups.
• Copy and store off site your original firm and network software, as well as software license and registration codes.
• Bag your trash and take it to the lobby or in a loading dock dumpster on your way out.  Days old trash really stinks up small places quickly and is not easily dissipated.
• Designate a time and place for the office to return or check in so that everyone can be accounted.
• Consider establishing a “phone chain” and designate a person in charge to initiate calls to provide information to employees. Develop a list of home phone numbers, cell phone numbers and emergency contact numbers.

If stuck in the building:

• Relocate your car in the garage or parking lot to a high point to avoid flooding.
• Have on hand flashlights, light sticks and batteries for a radio to monitor the conditions and find out when it is safe to leave.
• Bring extra non-perishable food, water and clean clothes to work just in case - even if you leave the office you may be forced to return if there is no safe route home.
• Stay away from the windows - flying objects could break the windows.
• Keep your doors locked and check in with building security regularly so that they know people are still in your office.

Helpful Numbers:

 Lone Star Legal Aid Hurricane Hotline  1-800-568-3857