Hurricane System and Office Protection Suggestions

Hurricane Office Protection
Hurricane Office ProtectionHurricane Office Protection Suggestions include some of the following based on severity.
HURRICANE WATCH
  1. Verify that vital record’s are in a safe storage area. Files, records, and storage cabinets may be wrapped in plastic for moisture protection. If necessary, temporarily relocate records to a safe storage facility off-site.
  2. Inventory equipment and secure a copy offsite. Take Pictures & Video.
  3. Create a Full Backup and take drive offsite storing in a secure watertight location such as inside a sealed protective bag off the ground in a safe. This Location should be at least 25 miles away. We highly recommend using a cloud based backup service in addition to this procedure.
  4. Store a hard copy of all staff’s addresses and phone numbers Home and Cell so people may communicate after the storm passes.

HURRICANE WARNING

  1. Move desks, files, equipment and furniture away from un-shuttered windows. Papers, drawings, etc. should be placed inside files or desks.
  2. All Electrical Devices Such as Computers, Printers & Servers should be off the floor to protect from water damage from minor flooding.
  3. Wrap all office equipment, such as copy machine and computers, in plastic to protect against water damage from leaks etc.
  4. All Servers, Computers and Network Equipment should be shutdown and disconnected from all outside lines including phone, cable, data and power.
  5. Turn off all air conditioners, disconnect electrical equipment, turn off lights.
AFTER THE HURRICANE
  1. Do not turn on computer equipment if there are indications of low voltage power fluctuations, low air conditioning output, water under raised floor, broken windows or damaged equipment.
  2. If there is any excessive moisture do not attempt to connect equipment.
  3. Equipment should not be used with a generator or without proper UPS protection.

Read more Are you prepared for a hurricane?

Are you prepared for a Hurricane?

Hurricane Office Protection

Now is a great time to evaluate your preparedness for a hurricane.  Whether or not you are an employee or an employer, it is essential to take proactive steps in preparing for unpredictable storms and other disasters.

By taking the initiative to start planning early, you can create a plan that will have you fully prepared in the event of a disaster. While securing plans for your home and loved ones, take some time to focus on the future of your business or work place.

To help, a basic Business Hurricane Survival Plan has been compiled to serve as a guide to safeguard your business. This Survival Plan provides steps to improve safety and protect property as well as important company information. It serves as an important tool to enforce your business’ emergency plan in the event of any disaster. Keep this plan handy by printing it out and ensure you have covered all the relevant steps before the Hurricane Season begins.

Using these three key steps as guidelines will ensure you are prepared for any damages following any disaster. If your business is damaged remember to assess, document, and report them to your insurance company as soon as possible.

 Step 1: Protect property

  • Invest in and install shutters or plywood in order to protect windows and doors from wind borne-debris.
  • Have the roof of your building evaluated to ensure it can withstand a storm.
  • Remove any branches or trees adjacent to your building that could potentially fall and damage it.
  • Sandbag any area that is subject to flooding.
  • Anchor and brace any large furniture (bookcases, shelves, filing cabinets) to wall studs.
  • Relocate any valuable or fragile possessions.
  • Secure all utilities including water heaters, gas tanks, and heaters and if necessary, raise them to higher locations to avoid water damages.
  • Secure electronics such as computers and other office equipment with straps or Velcro.
  • Turn off all the utilities prior to a hurricane making landfall if possible.

Step 2: Protect important documents and information

  • Designate important contacts to save that are crucial to business operations, such as employees, banks, lawyers, accountants, suppliers, etc.
  • Back-up documents that are not easily produced such as insurance documents, legal contracts, tax returns, and accounting statements to avoid water damage.
  • Seal these documents in waterproof containers onsite.
  • Save all your designated contacts and documents in an alternate, accessible off-site location.

Step 3: Keep A Preparedness Checklist

The below items should be gathered in one location at your place of business should a storm hit while you are on premises. This will help protect the safety of your employees should disaster strike during regular working hours and without ample notice.

  • Battery operated radio or television
  • Non-perishable three day food supply for you and your employees
  • Three day supply of water for you and your employees (One gallon of water per person, per day)
  • Coolers and containers for water and washing
  • Blankets, pillows, cots, and chairs
  • First Aid Kit and first aid manual
  • Flashlights, batteries, light-sticks
  • Tool kit (basic tools, gloves, etc.)
  • Camera and film for documenting damages
  • Whistle/signal flare to signal for help
  • Tarps, plastic bags, duct tape
  • Cleaning supplies, including mops, towels and garbage cans
  • Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
  • Electric generator
  • Gas for vehicles, generators and other equipment
  • Cash, ATM cards, credit cards proper identification
  • Emergency contact information such as the nearest hospital and police, along with:
    • Life safety issues: 9-1-1
    • Small Business Administration (SBA): 1-800-359-2227
    • FEMA Tele-registration hot-line: 1-800-462-9029
    • Insurance company and agent’s contact information

For more information about your business’ survival guide, download FEMA’s Business Toolkit or visit FEMA: Plan & Prepare for tips and further examples of steps you can take to prepare your business.

If you would like a custom Computer and Technology Hurricane Prep plan please call TMD Technology and we can begin inventory and plan the specifics to further protect your critical data.

The 2014 hurricane season is here, are you prepared?

HurricaneThe 2014 hurricane season is here, are you prepared? What about your business? Let us review your backup and disaster recovery plans.  We can perform a review of your infrastructure design and make recommendations on procedures and technology solutions that match your needs.

 

Hurricane Tips

  1. Watch the weather and listen to the authorities for evacuation notices and other warnings.
  2. Keep important documents and information together in one place and store in a waterproof bag or container.
  3. Inform your friends and family  during the storm and where you are going to be after. Check in with them to let them know that you are safe.
  4. Document your house and business. Take photos and/or video of your belongings and keep an inventory of all your belongings.
  5. Check and secure all openings to the house (windows, doors, etc.)
  6. Listen to evacuation notices.  Authorities will not be able to help you during a storm.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

  • Bottled water (enough for a week)
  • Canned and dry food; Non-perishable
  • Manual can opener
  • Paper products, plates, cups, utensils
  • Gas/charcoal grill
  • Lighter or matches (be careful of open flames)
  • Plenty of Batteries
  • Flashlights
  • Battery powered radio
  • Fill your vehicles with gas
  • Charge Your Cell Phone

Want to know more about protecting your businesses critical data?  Contact us today.