1)Create an emergency business communications plan. Hopefully you will never have to use it, but a plan that includes emergency procedures, emergency contact numbers, and a step-by-step approach to getting systems up and running can save time during and after an emergency. |
2) Make sure you have a UPS Backup. An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is critical because it will give you enough power during a power outage to properly shutdown your computers and phone system. Both can incur damage if not shut down properly during a power outage |
3) Make sure you have your data backed-up off-site. You may have your data backed up at your office but if that office sustains damages from a violent storm your data could be lost. For a cost effective alternative to off-site storage, consider a virtual back-up service or, at least, a flash drive. |
4) Print out a list of IP addresses. If anything happens to your routers or firewalls, this step can allow you to get things reconfigured quickly. Your carrier can also provide this information; however, during a severe storm it is likely that their response time will be much slower. |
5) Have calls forwarded to a key employee; preferably, someone who is adept at dealing with a large number of calls. |
6) Once your service has been restored, remove any forwarding or emergency call re-routing that may have been activated prior to the storm. |
