What can the courts do when the courthouse or workplace is unavailable?
Courts are exposed to risk when the workplace is not available. Employees must be prepared to accomplish work even when the work, workers, and workplace dramatically change due to disaster. Channels of communication not limited to a specific environment must be established. This can be accomplished by developing a “plan B” business-continuity strategy and training employees. Options for maintaining communications include a courtwide toll-free number for staff to call when disaster occurs and available cell phones to be used when work must be performed away from the court building. Phone lists should be updated and distributed frequently, with copies kept away from the primary site of business. Laptops can be used to maintain data processing and other functions. Court leaders should be aware of alternative sites for temporary locations and create plans for continuing work in those environments. Such environments include other government offices, schools, and civic centers.
