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Hurricane
Help |
Hurricane Preparations for
Information Technology |
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Pre-Hurricane recommendations for
Computer Users Upon
hearing that a Hurricane may threaten the area if safety and sufficient time allow,
perform a backup of all important files.
Before leaving your office: · Unplug computers, printers,
switches · Disconnect network cable(s) from
equipment - leave it connected to wall plate · Move computers and other
electrical equipment away from windows and off the floor · Face monitor away from window · Place plastic over hardware to
protect it from rain should the window blow out · Take a recent copy of backup
offsite with you · Take your laptop offsite with you,
if you have one · If you know that a colleague is
out of the office at this time, check her/his office for similar precautions When an
organization depends on computer systems to provide key business functions these organization have a responsibility to prepare not
only their facility but their computing resources. Such organization should have a predefined
plan which identifies specific actions to take as conditions change. The goal of the plan is to provide maximum preservation
of equipment and continuity of service, but not at the risk of personal
injury. Update staff contact list Update equipment location lists: Telephone equipment. Network equipment Servers and other computers Copier/printers, etc. Check and
replenish, if necessary, stocks and supplies.
Plan for before, during, and after the storm as supplies may
not be available for purchase for a while.
And since most roads and access to roads may be closed or unsafe to
drive, you may be stuck in the dark at work for several days if not weeks
waiting for conditions to improve...and it won't just be you. The worst
mistake you can make in preparing for an emergency is assume
that others will be able to help you. This is simply not true...you must be
self-sufficient because emergency personnel will be busy rescuing people who
need immediate medical attention. You
supplies should minimally include: Batteries and flashlights Tool kits and testers Portable communications equipment Test portable
radios and identify locations in each building where radio links work. Be
prepared to avoid dependence on cellular phone services. Clear all
unnecessary items out of vulnerable areas and areas which may need to receive
moved equipment. Backup all
critical CIS servers and move backups to safe location. Raise UPSes, network, and telephone equipment in low areas. Install
water barriers at telephone and network switch closets. Remove/secure
all antennas. Issue
computer protection information to end users. Gather
food, water, bedding, and other supplies for those staying through storm and
immediately after. Have
tarpaulins available to cover equipment to protect against rain damage should
window failures occur. When
determining what applications are most important and those which need to be
recovered first, don’t forget to consider what machines might be providing
supplemental services. Often
applications will require: - a fileserver - a SQL server and/or - a web server Likewise
if you consider E-mail to be critical because it has become a preferred form
of communication and collaboration then consider where contacts and calendars
are stored. Deadlines and appointments
must be known and addressed even during a disaster. |
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HURRICANE-HELP |
BEFORE-THE-STORM |
DURING-THE-STORM |
AFTER-THE-STORM |
IT PROFESSIONALS |
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