What percentage of a company's records typically constitutes vital records that need safeguarding during an emergency?

Vital records are essential documents that a company must protect because they are critical for the continuation of operations during and after a disaster or emergency. Typically, it is recognized that a smaller proportion of a company’s total records constitutes these vital records. In many organizations, this figure generally hovers around 2 percent. This small percentage highlights that while substantial volumes of information may be stored, only a select few documents—such as legal contracts, critical financial documents, and emergency plans—are absolutely essential for recovery and continuity.

The emphasis on safeguarding these vital records stems from the understanding that protecting the entirety of a company's records may not be feasible or necessary; instead, identifying and securing only the key documents ensures efficient use of resources and protects against loss that could severely impact the organization’s ability to operate following an emergency.