Is having a relationship with one’s neighbors considered part of the business continuity or general security plan?
Having cordial relations with neighbors is always desirable. One way of establishing this type of relationship is by setting up a mutual aid agreement built around evacuation plans. This will assist the continuity potential of your organization to survive a crisis situation. Having a reciprocal agreement that allows the sheltering of employees at an adjacent facility in an emergency promotes both better Life Safety and a close working relationship. Such arrangements also lead to the development of a more resilient community. However, with such mutual agreements also come additional security considerations since your facility may become inundated with non-employees in times of emergency and thus should have a security assessment and evaluation procedure always at the ready to signal cause for alarm if necessary.
