In preparation for fire and natural disasters, there are few steps your business should take to protect your data and technology from storm damage. Forecasters have predicted more frequent & severe weather and it only takes damage from one major storm to put your company out of business.
Most people think of storm preparation in terms of stocking up on food, medications, toilet paper, batteries, first aid kits and possibly even evacuation. However, your business also needs to prepare your IT to weather the storms.
Protect Data
You’ll need to ensure that you have a complete, restorable backup of your ACR server. If you are using USB and cloud backup, take the USB backup offsite when you leave or have it stored safely. The cloud backup can be used to restore data and get you running temporarily in the cloud even if your server is destroyed, any trading made in the cloud can be later restored to your physical server once it is repaired or replaced. If your business still uses tape or other media backup, be sure to take the backup offsite.
Backups are already performed nightly however, if you have time call ACR Support (02 4725 2020) and we can initiate an on-demand backup during trading hours to help reduce the risk of data loss and keeping your backup data fresh.
Tip: Backup Warnings – How to check your backup status
Protect from Water and Wind
If your business is in a flood zone, you’ll need to protect your IT equipment. When a major storm is predicted, elevate your CPUs, printers, servers, and other network devices, as well as other electrical appliances off of the floor. For high winds, move computers away from windows. If there is a possibility of water leakage, cover computer equipment with plastic.
Protect from Power Issues
Power outages and surges can also cause issues for your server and IT equipment. Your server and if possible key computers should be plugged into a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to allow them to keep running for a short time when the primary power source is lost. They will also help protect hardware from power surges, brownouts and sags.
If, however, your business is vulnerable to storm surge and flooding, and if you don’t need your computers on for remote access, you might consider turning off your computer equipment including printers, desktop computers, monitors, laptops and un plugging them from the wall. ACR Support can shut down your ACR server if needed. Ask your IT provider about shutting down your other internal servers, and if they think it is necessary, they will shut them down in the proper sequence. Other technology that your IT provider might recommend unplugging includes your network switches, firewalls, routers, telephones, surge protectors and battery packs. If you disconnect cables, be sure to label everything so it will be plugged in properly after the storm. If you do unplug, expect it to take longer to get back online after the storm.
Bush Fire Prone Areas
It’s a situation that’s not often considered by most business that are located near bush land. Business do not have to be in the direct line of a bush fire to be directly impacted by fire. Ember attack is a serious contributor to loss of property and embers can fall kilometers in front of a fire front placing business at risk even if they are not directly next to the bush.
Contact your landlord and make sure roofs and gutters are clear of debris and leaf litter. You can find more information about preparing your property on your state’s fire service websites.
Business Documentation
What about continuing to do business after the storm? What if your office is damaged, or there is a prolonged power outage, or you aren’t able to return to the office due to flooding or downed trees? Make sure you have up-to-date documentation of your network and computer systems. Protect important documents such as legal contracts, insurance documents and tax returns. Whether your business is server-based or cloud-based, be sure to take offsite a printed list of phone numbers and email addresses for all your contacts who are crucial to business operations, including suppliers, vendors, water, gas, electricity, mobile generators, staff and clients.
Tip: Use the ‘Export / Import Utility‘ to create a list of Customers and Contact Numbers
Tip: Key Computer Contact Information – A guide to which contacts you should add to your list
Be Prepared
Your business doesn’t need to go out of business as the result of a major storm or fire!