Disaster Recovery Plan

Public entities should adopt a disaster recovery plan to ensure continued governmental operations if faced with a disaster or a major computer breakdown. For example, counties would need to continue with the preparation of payroll, the calculation of tax assessments and settlements, and the recording of receipts and disbursements.

We recommend that a disaster recovery plan include, but not be limited to, the following:

• A list of key personnel, including the actual recovery team, who should be available during the recovery process;
• A communication plan;
• A description of the responsibilities of each member of the recovery team, and of all other entity employees;
• A plan as to how the entity will continue operations until normal operations are re-established;
• A list of materials needed to continue operations and how they will be obtained;
• Identification of the space to be used during the disaster; and
• A schedule for developing and periodically reviewing and updating the plan.

For additional information on emergency preparedness for mental health and behavior issues that may arise during an emergency see the Minnesota Department of Health website.

More information on disaster planning is available on the Department of Public Safety’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management website.

Date this Avoiding Pitfall was most recently published: 08/27/2021