AT&T survey finds D.C. area businesses unprepared for disasters

Published 13 September 2006

While two-thirds have continuity plans, less than half update them; one-third say continuity not a priority

One would think that businesses in the Washington, D.C. area would be more sensitive to business continuity planning. After all, two of the four planes used on 9/11 were aimed at the Washington Metro area, and it was only the bravery of the passengers on Flight 93 that prevented the Capitol building from being destroyed. No doubt Washington remains an enticing terrorist target. It turns out, however, that D.C. area businesses are no more prepared than any other metropolitan area. According to an AT&T study, three-quarters of local businesses surveyed have continuity plans, but less than half are prepared to implement specific protective actions in the wake of government disaster alert. Other AT&T survey findings include:

[MICHAEL: BULLET POINTS BELOW]

— Only 45 percent of the companies in Washington, D.C., have updated their business continuity plans, slightly lower than the national average of 48 percent.

—One third of IT executives in Washington, D.C., say that business continuity planning is not a priority.

—Of those who say it is not a priority, 55 percent say the probability of a disaster causing business disruption is small.

-read more in this San Antonio Business Journal report