Would Your Staff Know Their Role in a Disaster?

In this episode of Critical Response Stories, Kacie Chappell shares a hard truth many organizations face too late: a business continuity plan is only as strong as the people carrying it out.

Kacie has seen that the most successful recoveries start long before the storm hits. They begin with preparation, practice, and a clear understanding of roles. Teams that rehearse their response, know who to call, and understand their responsibilities are able to act quickly and effectively when disaster strikes. That level of coordination leads to faster recoveries and far fewer complications.

On the other hand, when a plan exists on paper but hasn’t been practiced, the results can be chaotic. Miscommunications, delays, and confusion in the heat of the moment can worsen the impact and prolong the return to normal operations. It’s not just about having a plan in place. It’s about building muscle memory and clarity among every member of the team.

Through real examples, Kacie explains how proactive planning transforms an overwhelmed response into confident leadership. She urges organizations to take the time now to train, test, and revisit their continuity strategies so that when a crisis hits, they are not asking, “What do we do?” but instead, “Let’s go.”