COOPed Up

Twitter went down today. And before you ask, I didn't break it.

But it was a good reminder that we all need to back up every technology with the basics.

So instead of Tweeting my news updates today I emailed them. Yes it is more cumbersome with having to enter email addresses or distribution groups and isn't available to everyone on the net, but it gets the message out.

But what if the entire doggone internet goes down?

That's when my years are an advantage. I still have and know how to use a fax machine. Yes, that's even more trouble than email, but will work when the computers are just extra large paper weights.

And if the phone lines go down I have a backup for the fax. It's a copy machine. Yes, then I have to hand out the news updates, but I can do it and those who really need to know will probably be willing to schlep to the courthouse for the information.

My point. Don't let your reliance upon technology paralyze your ability to function.

That's the key to a workable Continuity of Operations Plan (the COOP of the title).

My COOP includes a paper copy of the Court's Crisis Communications Plan in a three-ring binder, and rubber bins in which I store my emergency "Go Kit."

The kit contains: pens, paper (copy, notebook, pads), stapler, paper punch, more 3-ring binders, sticky notes, highlighters, tape, maps of the area showing location of alternative court sites, emergency services, hospitals, a laptop computer with thumb drives, portable printer, a power generator, extension cords with multiple ends (lighted, ground fault circuit interrupter), lamps, light bulbs, flashlights and batteries, podium, easels and paper, paper shredder, etc., letterhead, paper forms and supplies adequate for 24-48 hours, camera, paper contact lists: including court group email, county, state, federal, Non Governmental Organizations and private sector resources, a FEMA public affairs manual, local media guide with after hours contact numbers, press releases (pre-scripted for weather, criminal act, chemical, biological, radiological events), reader boards, court fact sheets, first aid kit, change of clothing, toiletries, prescription medications, a small refrigerator, food, bottles of water, etc.

Well, you never know.