During the reconciliation of separate business continuity plans for different departments, what should be addressed first?

In reconciling separate business continuity plans, addressing the evacuation plan first is crucial because it sets the foundation for ensuring the safety of personnel during a crisis. The evacuation plan outlines the procedures for safely exiting the building or area in the event of an emergency, prioritizing human life above all else. This step is vital for minimizing risk and ensuring that all employees understand how to respond in emergencies, creating a safer environment for subsequent recovery activities.

Understanding evacuation processes helps ensure that all departments align their plans with a shared safety protocol, which is essential for effective communication and coordination during an emergency. Once the evacuation procedures are established, the organization can then address more detailed aspects like recovery priorities, backup storage, and communication methods such as call trees. Each of these components is important, but initiating the discussion with evacuation ensures that the well-being of all individuals is the primary focus at the onset of the business continuity planning process.