How to Prepare for the Storm; From the Eye of the Storm!
How to Prepare for the Storm; From the Eye of the Storm! Don't
let your business get "Blown Away!"
Data Loss can be devastating. It could instantly take a small or
medium size business from "Open for Business" to "Out of
Business" in an instant. On a personal level, it can wipe away
weeks, months and even years of critical data where there is no
means of accessing or recreating the valuable information.
However, there are preventative measures that can be taken to
ensure that you do not fall victim to the unfortunate
circumstance of loss of data. As a data recovery lab, we know.
We just took a direct hit from hurricane Wilma. Hurricane Wilma
was "Not our First Rodeo", and more than likely, will not be our
last. We are also seeing an increase of drives on a local level
that have been affected by this natural disaster, just as we did
after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Hearing stories on a daily
basis of data loss, I thought it to be only fair to share some
of our preparations of how we (as a Data Recovery Lab) survived
as a business, and had basically no loss of business continuity.
Fortunately, the only loss we did have was the actual day that
the hurricane hit and we all watched the devastating destruction
from our homes. Here are a few of the procedures that we as a
data recovery lab, put into place, yet once *again* this year,
prior to landfall of Hurricane Wilma. * We are fanatical about
backing up. Keep in mind that our business is based upon hard
drive failures. If you can imagine it, e.g. Fires, Floods,
Mechanical Failure, User Error, we have heard it. The thought of
a category 3 hurricane barreling towards us, was not a pleasant
one. * Ensure that you have "Backups of your Backups." Always
keep a current backup offsite for absolute worst case scenarios.
* Prior to vacating the premises, Make Backups of Critical Data,
Verify that all electronics are plugged into UPSs' (as they
should be) power down and unplug from A.C. if possible.
(Including Telephone and Modem Lines.) * If possible, elevate
all electronics and electronics equipment off of the ground.
Even with Flood Insurance, Insurance providers will draw the
line between "Wind driven Rain", and "Rising Water". * Last but
certainly not least, remain calm and approach any Computer
Failure/Data Loss with a rational and sensible approach. A
majority of hard drive failures, and data loss resulting from
them can be successfully overcome, if proper measures are taken.
There are numerous previously published articles that outline
what NOT to do when faced with this type of potential crisis.
Consult a professional data recovery lab to see what options are
available for you, before it is too late.
With a Natural Disaster such as a category 3 hurricane
approaching, there are exterior preparations as well. (Hurricane
Shutters, Non-Perishable Foods, Water, for at least 3-4 days,
Ice, Flashlights, Batteries, and Battery operated Radio or TV
for News Alerts.) Anyone who lives in a hurricane prone area
should already know these basics.
Hopefully, by taking these tips to heart (and mind), your
business and/or place of business will not be "Gone with Wind!"
Brian Cain Eco Data Recovery 4115 Burns Rd. Palm Beach Gardens,
FL 33410 1-800-339-3412 561-691-0019
http://www.EcoDataRecovery.com brian@EcoDataRecovery.com