Showing papers on "Disaster recovery published in 2003"

Method and system for disaster recovery of data from a storage device

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a method and system for securely managing the storage and retrieval of data Securely managing the storage and retrieval of data may include receiving a first disaster recovery code and acquiring a first password corresponding to the first disaster recovery code A first disaster recovery key may be generated based on the first disaster recovery code and the first password Another aspect of the invention may also include generating the received first disaster recovery code based on said first password and the first disaster recovery key The generated disaster recovery code may be securely stored on at least a portion of a storage device or a removable media Data stored on the storage device may be encrypted using the first generated disaster recovery key Additionally, data read from the storage device may be decrypted using the generated first disaster recovery key

Disaster Management and Community Planning, and Public Participation: How to Achieve Sustainable Hazard Mitigation

Abstract: The paper offers first a brief historical overview of disaster management planning. Second, it reviews Australian and American research findings and show that they urge the field of disaster management to shift its focus from response and recovery to sustainable hazard mitigation. It is argued that in order for this shift to occur, it is necessary to integrate disaster management and community planning. Current practice seldom reflects such a synthesis, and this is one of the reasons why hazard awareness is absent from local decision-making processes. Third, it is asserted that if mitigative strategies are to be successfully implemented, then the disaster management process must incorporate public participation at the local decision-making level. The paper concludes with a case study of California's Portola Valley, which demonstrates that when public participation is integrated into disaster management planning and community planning, the result is sustainable hazard mitigation.

Building safer cities : the future of disaster risk

Abstract: Disaster impacts are increasing in severity, and affect communities far beyond the areas of geographic impact as regions are linked in new ways. While industrialized countries may register higher economic losses following a disaster, there have frequently systems in place to respond to the event to minimize loss life. Property is often covered by insurance. In developing countries, by contrast, disasters can cause major setbacks to economic and social development, inflict massive casualties, and cause the diversion of funds from development, to emergency relief and recovery. The papers in this volume were prepared as background material for the Conference on the Future of Disaster Risk : Building Safer Cities, and deal, in Part I, with subjects from vulnerability to disasters, risks, and associated costs, to the impact of globalization and the interdependent disaster risks, i.e., the need for public-private partnerships. Part II focuses on the environment, climate change, and adaptation, highlighting the resilience of coastal mega-cities to weather-related hazards, as well as flood management and vulnerability in different parts of the world. Part III refers to the social vulnerability aspects resulting from disaster impacts, through various case studies, and Part IV addresses how to protect critical infrastructure from disaster impacts.

Method and system for disaster recovery

Abstract: A method for disaster recovery includes copying at least a portion of information from a first database to a backup system as backup information The method also includes storing an incremental change in a second database The incremental change represents a change to at least a portion of the information in the first database The method further includes restoring the first database using at least one of the backup information and the incremental change

System and method for application monitoring and automatic disaster recovery for high-availability

Abstract: Stable and automated recovery of an application executing on a primary computer system by transitioning to a secondary computer system is provided [Fig. 1]. Intelligent agents [112a] installed on a primary client server [102] allow the primary environment to be replicated on a host [128], secondary environment [106]. This creates continuous availability of applications executing on the primary system via the mirrored host environment. Every transaction on the client environment (e.g., every piece of data) is replicated in real-time on the host environment. A simple mechanism (e.g., a button) is provided to allow access to the secondary environment thereby switching over from the client environment to the host environment in the case of, with respect to the primary environment, a disaster, a need to perform maintenance, system failure and the like.

Community participation and public awareness in disaster mitigation

Abstract: Describes how the Society for National Integration through Rural Development in India involves the local communities when developing disaster mitigation measures. Shows how participation of the community in resource identification, capabilities, coping mechanisms and vulnerability assessment will be more effective in the planning of a sensible and practical system, more suitable for the needs of the community. Covers contingency planning, community preparedness, task forces (comprising active youths in the ratio of one youth for ten families) and response mechanisms.

System and method for managing business continuity

Abstract: A system and method for developing, assessing testing and implementing plans and procedures for managing crisis events and providing continuity to business operations in cases of business interruption. Such business interruption can occur due to a variety of reasons including physical facility emergency. The continuity in business operations relates at least to real estate, and critical business resources such as computers, databases and applications. The system includes a core repository that manages, monitors and measures all core continuity processes across an institution (e.g., a corporation). Once an emergency had been identified, the system links the continuity plans to crisis team initiatives across the corporation. The system provides an executive level ‘state of health’ reporting facility to enable executives (managers) to assess the state of the business and the execution of the continuity plans in real time.

Stress in disaster response: a risk management approach

Abstract: Using a risk management framework, this paper discusses an approach to conceptualising disaster stress risk that can be used to develop readiness strategies that facilitate an adaptive response to disaster stress in emergency managers. It illustrates this process by describing how incident, operational and organisational demands interact with resilience and vulnerability factors to affect stress risk during the mobilisation, response and reintegration phases of disaster response. It argues for stress risk management to be integrated with the application of the risk management paradigm to other aspects of disaster management.

The financial management of catastrophic flood risks in emerging-economy countries.

Abstract: This article examines the potential of pre- and post-disaster instruments for funding disaster response and recovery and for creating incentives for flood loss mitigation in countries with emerging or transition economies As a concrete case, we discuss the disaster recovery arrangements following the 1997 flood disaster in Poland We examine the advantages and limitations of hedging instruments, which are instruments for transferring the risk to investors either through insurance or capital market-based securities We compare these mechanisms with financing instruments, whereby the government sets aside funds prior to a disaster or taps its own funding sources after the event occurs We show how hedging instruments can be designed to create incentives for the mitigation of damage to public infrastructure using the flood proofing of a water-treatment plant on the hypothetical Topping River as an illustrative example We conclude that hedging instruments can be an attractive alternative to financing instruments that have been traditionally used in the poorer, emerging-economy countries to fund disaster recovery Since very poor countries are likely to have difficulty paying the price of protection prior to a disaster, we suggest that international lending institutions consider innovations for subsidizing these payments

Method and apparatus for risk assessment for a disaster recovery process

Abstract: A method and structure for calculating a risk exposure for a disaster recovery process, including loading a user interface into a memory, the user interface allowing control of an execution of one or more risk models. Each risk model is based on a specific disaster type, and each risk model addresses a recovery utilization of one or more specific assets identified as necessary for a recovery process of the disaster type. One of the risk models is executed at least one time.

Advanced functions for storage subsystems: Supporting continuous availability

Abstract: Storage subsystems must support advanced copy functions. In particular, these functions are needed to enable the subsystem to support disaster recovery. Continuous remote copy functions ensure that all data written to a primary control unit are also written to a remote secondary control unit that, it is assumed, will not be impacted by a disaster. There are many variants of continuous remote copy, and it can be implemented in many ways and at various levels, including the application, the file system, and the disk storage subsystem. Although we mention other levels, our focus is on the storage subsystem. In this paper, we describe the variants of continuous remote copy and their implementation, emphasizing Peer-to-Peer Remote Copy (PPRC) supported by the IBM TotalStorage™ Enterprise Storage Server® (ESS).

Prayer in Disaster: Case Study of Christian Clergy

Abstract: Prayer for divine intervention at the time of disaster is well-documented. With a general belief in some sectors of the population that God or some external force drives disaster, to appeal to the same for help or direction should not be unexpected. A number of studies around the world and across cultures have found this to be true. Using a sample of Christian clergy in South Carolina, prayer is investigated for its perceived use as a hazard adjustment. The results indicate that there is broad support for perseverance across denominations, that prayer as protection enjoys support under certain conditions, and that prayer as prevention garners little support except among some more fundamentalist conservative clergy. An important question remaining for hazards researchers is how to recognize and support the positive roles prayer can have in the recovery and relief process of disaster in addition to other protective measures.

An empirical assessment of IT disaster risk

Abstract: Disasters have historically been associated with catastrophic events such as floods,fires, hurricanes, or earthquakes, but recent computer failures, such as the air trafficsystem failure at Washington Center, have broadened the definition of disaster—asany event causing significant disruption to operations, thereby threatening businesssurvival [9] With the incentives of cost-efficiency and competition driving businessto place more critical information assets into automated systems and networks [4],the loss or denial of assets required for normal operations can have a catastrophicimpact on a firm’s bottom line [2]. Such disasters may involve the loss of integrity orreliability in a critical dataset or in the means by which data are transported, manip-ulated, or presented. As firms grow more dependent on uninterrupted information system function-ing, disaster recovery (DR) is receiving increasing attention, and a growing numberof organizations are beginning to engage in DR planning. In addition to cold sites,reciprocal agreements, and other services, DR vendors market a service known as “hotsites,” designed to provide standby computer resources in the event that one or moresubscribers require an alternative computer center to process critical applications.Companies pay steep monthly subscription fees for hot-site facilities, into whichcompany departments can move, literally overnight, if required [6]. This requirementis usually prompted by an actual or perceived event that could render the subscriber’scomputer systems inoperable. The activation of hot site service is initiated throughthe formal declaration of a disaster. The definition of disaster varies by client, withhot site providers generally allowing a broad interpretation of the term. For example,some vendor clients declare disasters in order to provide backup data processing capa-bility during a planned relocation of their data center.Despite the vital necessity of uninterrupted IT capability for most of today’sorganizations, few empirical studies provide practitioners and academicians with a

Incident handling: an orderly response to unexpected events

Abstract: Computer viruses, worms, denial of service attacks, equipment failures, vandalism, theft and other unwelcome events can send your computer services staff scrambling and cause a variety of problems for your user community. Even the least of these situations can be a distraction for your staff. The most severe can provide an unscheduled opportunity to test your disaster recovery procedure! How does your organization react to these events? Do you have a clearly-defined process in place to deal with unexpected incidents that threaten the security or operation of your systems.Eastern Connecticut State University is a public liberal arts institution with an enrollment of about 5000 students. Our Information Technology Services (ITS) group has implemented a process that provides a framework for an orderly response to unexpected events. The process is an adaptation of security incident response recommendations from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Internet Security Systems, Inc. and other resources, which have been tailored for our institutional needs. At the core of the process is the Incident Response Team, which consists of a team manager, a technical leader and other ad hoc team members, depending on the nature and severity of the event. The team concept takes advantage of institutional expertise from law enforcement, human resources, audit, public relations, facilities management, legal services and other technical resources within ITS. The team manages information gathering, analysis, recovery and administrative functions to ensure a controlled, coordinated approach to incident response.Our presentation will focus on the phases of the incident response process and the role of the Incident Response Team. Flexibility, wise use of resources, effective communications and analytical skills are contributing factors to a successful response effort. We will draw upon our own experiences in discussing communication with the user community, severity level guidelines, evidence gathering, essential documentation, and lessons learned along the way.

Modeling Fragility in Rapidly Evolving Disaster Response Systems

Abstract: Assessing the changing dynamic between the demand that is placed upon a community by cumulative exposure to hazards and the capacity of the community to mitigate or respond to that risk represents a central problem in estimating the community's resilience to disaster. This paper presents an initial effort to simulate the dynamic between increasing demand and decreasing capacity in an actual disaster response system to determine the point at which the system fails, or the fragility of the system. Public organizations with legal responsibilities for the protection of human life and property, as well as private organizations responsible for managing utilities, communications, and transportation systems in metropolitan regions, are unable to monitor the interdependent effects of these critical infrastructure systems in real time. Further, they are not able to share information effectively about an emerging threat, nor can they communicate easily among different response organizations at different jurisdictions in a regional event. Modeling the fragility of sociotechnical response systems is critical to enabling metropolitan regions to manage their exposure to risk more efficiently and effectively. To construct a theoretical model of this process, we observe the changing relationship between the demand for assistance and the capacity of the community to provide assistance. We include in our model measures of the magnitude of the disaster, the number of jurisdictions, and a simple type of cooperation to observe how these factors influence the efficiency of disaster operations. Information spreads quickly through inter-organizational or human networks. Stress in organizational performance arises when the amount of information surpasses human capacity to absorb and comprehend it, leading to failure in action. In complex disaster environments, failure in one component of an interdependent system triggers failure in other components, decreasing performance throughout the system and threatening potential collapse. Based on the assessment of disaster operations as a dynamic process among interdependent organizations, we sought to build a computational model of the relationship between demand and capacity in an evolving disaster response system. We developed a simulation platform using Cellular Automata (Epstein et al., 1996; Wolfram, 1994) to describe the pattern of interaction between demand and capacity. To formalize the interaction between organizations and information flow, we used evolving network theory which has been studied in the field of mathematics (Erdos et al., 1960), computer science, and physics (Barabasi et al., 1999; Newman, 2003). We show that different phases of disaster response require different types of information and management skills. The efficiency of disaster response is affected by the initial magnitude of the disaster, the type and amount of resources available, the number of jurisdictions engaged, and the type of response strategies used. The results from the simulation confirm that efficiency has a negative correlation to initial disaster magnitude and a positive correlation to initial capacity. The number of jurisdictions involved in response operations is an independent variable influencing efficiency in disaster response, but the strength and direction of this influence requires further study. Also, sharing resources without specific information to improve coordination appears not to enhance efficiency in disaster response. Finally, we focus not on the amount of information that is available to practicing managers, but on strategies for access to core information that enhance the efficiency of information flow throughout the network of responding organizations. Network theory is used to identify the core information.

Methods and apparatuses for providing copies of stored data for disaster recovery and other uses

Abstract: A disaster recovery technique for computer systems obtains backup copies of data by arranging recording devices like direct-access disk devices into copy pairs of primary and secondary devices. Management of the device copy pairs within a single system and across multiple systems is facilitated by constructing maps of device information that provide a cross-reference between I/O subsystem device numbers and hardware addresses. Information structures are constructed from the maps and used to facilitate defining and managing groups of device copy pairs.

Cross‐cultural interaction in the appraisal of disaster trauma in three Pacific Island countries

Abstract: The methods adopted in the appraisal of the trauma of three communities after different disasters in the South Pacific are described and discussed. The outcome affirms the need for non-indigenous clinicians to be ready to adjust their concepts and methods to suit the cultural frameworks they encounter when they are invited abroad, and for local health professionals to be ready to share their knowledge and skills with their collegues from abroad. The outcome, it is argued, should improve the quality of service provided at all stages of disaster recovery, and still enable questions to be raised about matters of fundamental concern – such as the power of religious belief and of social justice in the process of healing. These questions were found to be of particular importance in the context of the South Pacific cultures.

Electronic document presentment services in the event of a disaster

Abstract: The disaster recovery techniques, for presentment of a company's bills, statements or the like, provide electronic document presentment in the event of a disaster that impacts the company's print mail delivery operation or other existing mailing system(s). Files containing electronic documents are received, from a system associated with the print mail delivery operation, and the documents are stored in a database. Preferably, the systems use the company's existing data files. The files may be converted to a format compatible with one or more electronic delivery methodologies, if necessary. The disaster recovery systems present notice and/or data from the documents to the company's customers electronically, for example as e-mail (notice or message containing some or all of the document data), as a document attachment to an e-mail, via a web site, and possibly via telephone voice announcement.

Disaster Management Plan for the State of Maharashtra, India: Evolutionary Process

Abstract: The involvement of bilateral and multilateral agencies in the recovery and reconstruction program following major natural disasters has helped developing countries undertake long-term disaster mitigation and preparedness. However, capability-building in disaster management requires strategic planning, political support, and a significant infusion of technology. After the Latur earthquake in 1993, the state of Maharashtra, India undertook an important initiative for the preparation and implementation of a disaster management plan for the state and all the districts, with the support of the World Bank, Department for International Development, United Kingdom, and the United Nations Development Program. A number of activities, which included state and district disaster management plans, a communications network, control rooms, and development of a geographic information system, contributed to the evolution of an ambitious program over a period of three years, from 1996 to 1999. These initiatives hold important lessons for disaster risk reduction in developing countries. While international agencies can assist developing countries in building disaster preparedness and mitigation programs, continuous institutional and financial support and human resource development within these countries are critical for effective disaster risk reduction.

Malta’s risk minimisation to earthquake, volcanic and tsunami damage

Abstract: The paper defines Malta’s disaster risks parameter. Various data are given on Malta’s earthquake‐related hazards. By referring to mean damage ratios and death rates, earthquake losses are equated as a percentage of the gross domestic product, and the number of casualties and homeless estimated. Being a small island, the need for foreign help in the aftermath of a large disaster is analysed. Because of the present large number of vacant premises available, the amount of material foreign help required is minimized, as households could be evacuated to other regions of the Island. The above risks could further be minimized if Malta adopts strategic preparedness and mitigation management. Retrofitting of the present building stock is necessary, as is actively encouraging the purchase of disaster insurance, together with preparation of planning tools and strategic choices.

Integrated Business Continuity: Maintaining Resilience in Uncertain Times

Abstract: What will happen to your business community in the event of a disaster? Emergency service providers and industrial fire brigade leaders will want to read this book to learn how rapid change in the business environment is the new norm. The ability to effectively respond to and manage disruptions in a timely manner are now the deciding factor in any organization's survivability. Integrated Business Continuity: Maintaining Resilience in Uncertain Times guides senior executives, operational managers, and public officials step-by-step through developing and assessing an effective business continuity plan.

Knowledge management: the missing element in business continuity planning

Abstract: This chapter provides a new perspective for Knowledge Management applications within organizations. The relevance of knowledge management components in disaster planning has been underscored by the large-scale terror attacks of September 11, 2001. The objective of the chapter is to provide a different perspective on the risk management category of business continuity planning or disaster recovery. Specifically, the authors show how most plans ignore or downplay the essential requirement for the organization to preserve its critical knowledge resources in the event the possessors of that knowledge are killed. Most proponents of Knowledge Management have neglected this important facet of the field. At the same time, the risk management and disaster recovery fields have ignored the important contributions of Knowledge Management to a viable business continuity plan.

International emergency planning for facilities management

Abstract: It is hard to find good news stories about disasters. Disasters seriously damage an organisation’s health. Of businesses that experience a disaster, 40 per cent never reopen and 30 per cent close within 2 years. Perhaps because of this, over 80 per cent of UK facility managers in a recent survey now report that they maintain a Business Continuity Plan which most of them review at least once a year. An increasing number, however, now find themselves responsible for a portfolio of international facilities spanning continents and time zones. This paper looks at some real life implications of global business recovery planning. In the wake of September 11th, one can hardly do less. This paper provides strategies and justifications for international emergency planning procedures and processes. Practitioners will gain valuable information from actual events and case studies to validate the concepts offered as a model. It may seem that some of the information and processes which are outlined in this paper are obvious; but that is the point. The obvious can be overlooked, and excuses can be made for the lack of implementation of emergency plans. But those excuses will not stand in the light of real disasters and cataclysmic events.

Mobile Communications for Emergencies and Disaster Recovery in Developing Countries

Abstract: In the current international context, the theme of emergency preparedness and response has become a hot topic for the communication community. In particular, the role that new ad hoc communication systems can play in the set-up of efficient, coordinated rescue operations is often discussed in the media, mostly in connection with the perceived terrorist threat that looms over the developed countries. In this paper, we try to address a broader concern, namely the variety of humanitarian crises that occur all around the world and mostly in least developed and developing countries. We first look at the technical and political challenges that the relief community faces today. Then, we investigate the specific needs in communication that affected populations and rescue organizations may have. We show that these needs can be converted into technical requirements that open new challenges for research in mobile communication systems.

The aftermath of a disaster. Recovery following the volcanic eruptions in Montserrat, West Indies.

Abstract: The people of Montserrat have experienced serious volcanic eruptions since the middle of 1995. These resulted in the evacuation of the capital town Plymouth in 1997. An exclusion zone was declared and two-thirds of the original population of 10,324 migrated abroad. The remainder was left to initiate the recovery process. This paper reviews the action taken to maintain and then restore the health services and the health of the people. The recovery process is now well advanced and is following a characteristic pattern described as the Post Disaster Recovery Scenario. A new hospital was set up in the North of the island and the four remaining clinics refurbished. The health service was restored to a reasonable standard by the end of 2000. A Disaster Preparedness Team is kept on full alert to deal with any emergencies. The disaster caused serious disruption to the health services and to the way of life of the people. It had a number of adverse health effects which included immediate harm to respiratory health followed by other more serious problems such as mental illness, poor nutrition and violence. These were due to the disruption caused by resettlement, overcrowding, breakdown of family life and economic hardship. The lessons learned may be of benefit to countries experiencing similar events in the future.

The silver lining: Recovering from the shambles of a disaster

Abstract: In July 1997, half the collections at Morgan Library at Colorado State University were damaged by flood water. Staff members found themselves overwhelmed in emergency disaster recovery, in designing innovative systems to recover damaged materials, and in creating emergency programs to serve library users during the disaster recovery period. In rebuilding its collections to developing new systems, in changing the institutional culture to bring greater collaboration and flexibility, in developing a handbook so that others could benefit from the library's experience - Morgan Library found the silver lining that grew out of what at first seemed a disaster of overwhelming proportions.