Business Continuity Plan Enables Firm to Respond to Clients During Emergencies

Knowing that serving clients in the face of disaster is a top priority, Barney & Barney LLC has been improving its emergency response for several years by implementing a more advanced Business Continuity Plan and formulating an onsite emergency response team - an exercise that proved invaluable when the fires broke out.

"Because we're in the insurance industry and in the business of responding to disasters, when one does strike, our workload increases exponentially. And although our own workforce might be victims of the disaster - as was the case here - responding to our clients is still our top priority," said Paul Hering, CEO and Managing Principal of Barney & Barney.

"Just a few months ago, Barney & Barney tested their Business Continuity Plan by going through an hours-long drill that simulated a fire scenario. This exercise forced us to formulate a response to everything from on-site employee injuries, computer system failure, evacuations, and clients in need. Our team was in place and ready to respond when the fires broke," Hering continued.

"This exercise proved invaluable because the toll these latest fires took on Barney & Barney was unexpected. 53 of our employees were evacuated, including me. But that's what disaster preparedness is all about - preparing for the unexpected and unimaginable."

Because of Barney & Barney's Business Continuity Plan, the insurance brokerage was able to remain in business and respond to clients even when it had to close its San Diego office for a few days during the fires.

In order to ensure continued operations at all times, the firm's plan includes plans for responding and reaching out to clients, a computer system infrastructure that replicates all data to an offsite location 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a communications strategy, and the ability to initiate immediate delivery of temporary employee workspace in the form of mobile office units, complete with workstations, data access to the Internet and servers.

Founded in 1909, Barney & Barney is the oldest and largest insurance brokerage firm in San Diego. With offices in San Diego and Orange County, they are full-service risk management consulting and insurance brokerage providing commercial property and employee benefits services to Southern California's growing technology industry. Recognized as "Commercial Agency of the Year" in 2006 by the National Underwriter, Barney & Barney is dedicated to providing clients with the most comprehensive business solutions.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact:

Bob McAlister
Director of Risk & Loss Advisors
bobm@barneyandbarney.com
(858) 587-7589

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