As we’re approaching another hurricane season in the Western Hemisphere, it is certainly time to ensure that our disaster planning and recovery procedures are in place. This is a business-critical exercise that should be completed and then tested on an annual basis. However, with the looming threat of another wicked storm season approaching, there’s no time like the present to get this done now!

According to NOAA, the 2006 hurricane season is set to be very active.

“For the 2006 north Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA is predicting 13 to 16 named storms, with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which four to six could become ‘major’ hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher,” added retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. 

With an average of 11 named storms per year, with six becoming hurricanes, 2006 is set to be more extreme than usual, but not yet defined to be worse than what we saw last year (if you can imagine that).

And if you aren’t located along the Gulf Coast or the Florida peninsula, don’t think that you’re immune. Multiple private, educational and governmental organizations have warned the East Coast of the United States is far overdue for a major hurricane. Here is just one example. Now I’m not one to spread fear unnecessarily among the masses, but there are certain pending events for which we must at least properly prepare.

I’ve seen a number of companies starting to secure their data offsite and create contingency plans for evacuation before a storm and plans for recommencing business afterwards (either in the same location or at a remote site). Some of the very key things you can do to protect your business can be found on the American Red Cross’ website. However, some of the basics are ensuring that your UPS batteries are in working order and have the capability to handle the load should the power fail. Also, ensure that any AC units in server rooms and cabinets are fully functional. There are many options available which allow you to backup your data remotely, over the WAN. How easy would it be to port your phone numbers to an alternative location? Have you even checked? Are your users’ PC’s up, off the floor in case of flooding? Is the data on those PC’s backed up to the server? (This is something that should be done no matter what anyway!)

If you or your department managers aren’t sure about where to start or would like a third party to audit your preparedness with a third set of eyes, please let us know and we’d be happy to lend a hand.