With hurricane season quickly approaching, preparation is key. Research as of April 7, 2022 from the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project team anticipates the Atlantic region hurricane season to be active. Of the many storms the team forecasts, four are expected to be major hurricanes.
Knowing the amount of damage these storms can cause, it’s vital to have plans in place to protect your business as much as possible.
Do Hurricanes Pose a Serious Threat to my Company?
Hurricanes constitute a significant threat to an IT infrastructure, as they can cause power outages, flooding, and damage to physical framework. This can lead to a loss of data, disrupted business operations, and a general loss of productivity. In order to mitigate these risks, it is important to have a BCDR (Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery) plan in place.
Without a BCDR plan in place, your business could also be closed for an extended period of time due to hurricane damage. Furthermore, you may not be able to resume operations as quickly as you would like, resulting in even further losses.
What Can I Do to Prepare for Hurricane Season?
One simple and productive way to prepare for hurricane season is to watch storm patterns and weather forecasts so you can stay informed. You can ensure that your employees are aware of the potential risks and that they too are adequately prepared. Regularly review emergency procedures with them when possible.
Possibly the most crucial preparation is making sure your BCDR plan is up to date and operable. Don’t forget to regularly test it by simulating a data loss or other disaster scenario to see how your plan holds up. This will allow you to see any aspects of the plan that need to be improved or changed.
How Do I Create a BCDR Plan?
There are a few practices to help you prepare your technology plan for an upcoming hurricane season, including:
- Conducting an assessment of your IT infrastructure and evaluating its needs and weaknesses.
- Working to solve any immediate problems and issues that present themselves.
- Partnering with an IT provider to create a comprehensive plan for disaster recovery to minimize downtime and save money by mitigating losses.
- Continually revisiting your BCDR plan on a scheduled basis to make sure it is current and updating the plan regularly as needed.
As you work with a reliable IT provider to create a strong BCDR plan, you’ll be able to make improvements on a regular basis. Having the best possible plan in place before hurricane season will give you confidence and give your business the best chance of recovery.
Prepare for Hurricane Season Today with ITS Group
When you have a BCDR plan in place, you can feel better prepared for natural disasters like hurricanes. You will improve the odds that your business will survive any unexpected challenges that come your way, while reducing the time it takes to get your business up and running again.
Call ITS Group today for a free IT assessment! We’ll help you confidently prepare for hurricane season!