Hazards and Hurricanes: Hallmarks of IT Readiness, Response, and Recovery

This publication of the EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research (ECAR) is available to staff and faculty at ECAR subscribing institutions and companies. Especially if you are at a large institution, even if you are not directly connected with ECAR you may be able to complete an EDUCAUSE personal profile and access this and other reports.

This report is based on an interview with Louisiana State University's Melody Childs about that institution's readiness and reactions to the recent Hurricane Gustav.

Abstract and citation:

This ECAR research bulletin provides five hallmarks for IT readiness, response, and recovery in the face of a devastating natural disaster. It is based on an ECAR interview with the deputy CIO of Louisiana State University conducted 10 days after Hurricane Gustav shut down the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on September 1, 2008. It illustrates the fortitude of an institution that has built a campus environment based on a culture of safety, security, and trust—especially in times of crisis. The bulletin also illustrates the power of planning, openness, communication, teamwork, training, attention to detail, focus, practice, and leadership.

Citation for this work: Childs, Melody. “Hazards and Hurricanes: Hallmarks of IT Readiness, Response, and Recovery.” (Research Bulletin, Issue 21). Boulder, CO: EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, 2008, available from http://www.educause.edu/ecar.