Hurricane Season IT Prep

As we move into hurricane season on June 1st, ensure that your business IT systems remain as resilient and secure as possible. Hurricanes in Florida cause, on average, roughly $9 billion in annual damage specifically to commercial businesses, with total economic losses often exceeding $100 billion per major event.

IT damage includes flooded servers, destroyed hardware, and long-term business interruption, with recovery costs often leaving businesses with tens of thousands in out-of-pocket expenses due to deductibles. Preparation is critical, and we want to share essential steps and information to help protect your technology and minimize disruption in the event of severe weather.

Your disaster recovery planning should be finalized before June, focusing on cloud data backups, securing physical hardware, and ensuring redundancy/access in your communication systems.  Key actions include testing failover systems, preparing backup power for critical equipment, and ensuring remote access capabilities for employees.

Review the following items to best prepare, protect, and prevent your business from suffering catastrophic losses and damage:

IT Infrastructure Prep Checklist

• Data Protection & Backups:
  • Perform a full, verified backup of all critical systems.
  • Ensure backups are stored offsite or in the cloud.
  • Test restoration processes to ensure data can be recovered. 
• Physical Security & Hardware:
  • Back up physical servers and power down non-essential equipment.
  • Move servers, networking gear, and critical workstations away from windows and off the floor to prevent water damage.
  • Ensure generators are fueled, tested, and ready. Ensure UPS batteries are charged.
  • Cover electronics with plastic sheeting to protect from roof leaks.
• Remote & Remote Work:
  • Test VPN access and bandwidth for high remote traffic.
  • Ensure employees have necessary laptops, chargers, and network access. 
• Communication & Services:
  • Update incident response plans and share contact trees.
  • Redirect essential services/phones to remote staff or automated systems.
  • Contact internet service providers (ISPs) to discuss service status plans
• Documentation & Access:
  • Maintain paper copies of key contact lists, network diagrams, and system access procedures.
  • Secure sensitive physical documentation in waterproof containers.

After the Storm

• Do Not Power On: If equipment (servers, computers, printers) has been exposed to floodwater or significant humidity, do not turn it on.
• Document Damage: Take detailed photos/videos of all damaged IT equipment for insurance purposes before moving or repairing it.
• Check Power Stability: Ensure power is stable before reconnecting electronics to avoid damage from surges. 
• Dry Equipment: Use dehumidifiers or fans to dry out damp electronics.
• Cloud Verification: Verify that offsite or cloud backups are accessible and functional.
• Contact IT Support: Reach out to vendors for damaged specialized equipment or server repairs. 
• File Claims: Contact your insurance company immediately to get in the queue, especially if there is significant damage.
• Register with FEMA: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 to register for assistance.
• Secure Property: Take reasonable temporary repairs (like covering broken windows to protect equipment) while awaiting adjusters.