IT Blog

Hurricane season is upon us, and a disaster recovery plan is essential for business continuity. 

Regardless of your type of business, the severe weather associated with hurricane season can be unpredictable and devastating to any organization, especially if you are unprepared. 

That’s why it is of utmost importance to develop a disaster recovery plan for businesses well in advance in order to provide much-needed peace of mind. 

We have the necessary experience to provide suggestions to help your organization prepare for a hurricane’s effect on your business operations, technology, and employees. 

While we can’t control the weather, technology has enabled us to work from anywhere in many cases, allowing business operations to continue from the comfort and safety of our homes. This is one of the best options for keeping your business running.  

We have prepared a guide to help you prepare your business best and keep it safe before and after any storm. 

Create a Disaster Recovery Plan in 5 simple steps 

 1- Prepare a Disaster Recovery Plan

Prepare and practice the hurricane disaster recovery plan for businesses before a storm occurs.  

This is the most important step in business continuity and the most effective way to mitigate the impact of a hurricane.  

As a business owner, an individual should consider identifying mission-critical applications, selecting essential backup data, securing off-site data storage, end-user relocation/colocation, remote equipment/access to that equipment, and identifying key personnel.  

Organize a team of key individuals within your business. Practice the disaster recovery plan in a simulated scenario to ensure its effectiveness. 

 2- Backup your Data  

Ensure backups are done on time and stored in a secure and reliable facility. Using a recovery service provider, ensure your data is properly stored and protected. If your recovery window is extremely short, you may want to consider using electronic vault technology.  

This will allow the data to be transferred to an alternate recovery site quickly and efficiently. These measures will ensure that your data is accessible, wherever you are. 

 3- Protect your site with a Disaster Recovery Plan

Protecting your business facilities and equipment is important to continue or restore operations during a hurricane.  

This includes adding uninterruptible power supplies to your devices, adding a backup water source, and trying to keep the facility’s lower levels free from flooding. If the facility is closed for an indefinite period, create a plan to do it safely and prepare a different workplace, if necessary. 

 4- Work Remotely  

 Introducing remote access, Cloud-based systems and applications, and mobile devices into the workplace has made remote work much easier than it has been in the past. 

Many businesses allow staff to work from home when necessary. Remote work provides many benefits, including the ability to continue business, even in adverse conditions, and a competitive advantage that customers will notice.

Working remotely is far safer than getting to work during a storm. If a disaster occurs, having a hurricane preparedness plan will allow critical business functions to occur remotely. 

 5- Secure a recovery services provider 

There are two methods of planning to recover and resume business processes in an alternative location. The first method uses a dedicated computer only to store backups within the business. (Storage Solution Device).

This is generally accepted, but still prone to damage or loss since it is a physical appliance. This device must have enough capacity to secure your most important business files.  

The second option is to utilize an outsourced business recovery service to provide the services needed during the disaster. This approach has the advantage of being fully tested before the disaster strikes to ensure it will work when necessary.

The key advantage of securing a recovery service vendor is that you can continue doing business seamlessly while ensuring customer confidence is maintained.  

 There are many ways to prepare your business for disaster. It is imperative to have a continuity plan and practice it as many times as necessary to be ready if disaster strikes. 

Conclusion

Having a step-by-step guide and the service of an expert disaster recovery staff is very important for your business before a hurricane strikes.

Creating and implementing a business continuity/disaster recovery plan is critical to remaining operational throughout this time of year in Florida. Maintaining control during any natural disaster event and protecting your organization and employees should be of the utmost importance.

NETVOIX can help you start today and protect your business against potential closures due to extreme weather. If you have questions or require assistance, do not hesitate to contact us today!

Hurricane season is upon us, be prepared, and do not forget to create your Disaster Recovery Plan! Contact us today