In anticipation of the upcoming hurricane, which may bring electrical surges and power outages in addition to high winds, flooding and structural damage, we are providing the following guidelines to assist you.  Keep in mind that when power is lost it may corrupt data on systems but when power is restored there will be a huge surge of electrical current that is very capable of destroying any electrical components or systems if not properly protected.  As all client networks are different, please use what you feel is appropriate for your office.
As always, please don’t hesitate to call us at (781) 535-6090 or email us remote@pcresources.com with any questions.
  1. Data Backup – In most networks the data is backed up on a File Server and then sent off-site automatically (e.g., BDR Solution).  If you are using a BDR solution, your data is
    secured.  There are also Tape Backups or other backup means that are still in use in some networks so special attention should be paid to ensuring that your data backup media (e.g., Tape, USB Drive, etc.)
    is stored securely off-site.   Additionally some desktop systems may contain important data.  If so, please make a backup copy of any important files and store off site.
  2. Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) - All client networks have a UPS deployed to protect against power outages and power surges.  Please keep in mind that the purpose of the UPS is to provide temporary, short term power to enable proper shutdown of systems (thereby preventing data corruption).  A UPS will not provide enough backup power to last throughout a hurricane.  For those clients with a Generator, you may withstand the duration of the hurricane depending on the current load and duration of the power outage.
  3. Desktop/Laptop Computers – All desktop computers should be powered off prior to the hurricane.  The power cord of the UPS or Power Strip that the computer is plugged into should be removed from the wall.
    Laptops should be powered down and removed from their power source as well.  The Laptop should be brought home with you and stored safely.
  4. Servers – Generally speaking, your Servers contain the Applications and Data that are critical to your business.  Each business will need to determine if they can be without their Server(s) for some period
    of time.  The safest step to take (although it may not be feasible for some) is to take the same steps as was done with the Desktop.  Power down theServer(s) via the Windows Interface and select “Shut Down”.  Please do not power down the Server(s) from the Power Button as it may cause data corruption or worse. After powering down the Server, the UPS that the Server is plugged into should be powered off via the Power Button on the front of the UPS and then the power cord of the UPS should be removed from the electrical outlet in the wall.

    As a reminder, clients that subscribe to the Microsoft Hosted Spam Filtering Service will receive the added benefit of having your email spool or queue at Microsoft for 5 days in the event that your Exchange Server is offline.  When your server is back online all email sent will be forwarded to your server so you will not lose any email.  All handheld devices (e.g., iPhone, Android, etc.) will not receive domain based email while the Exchange Server is offline.
  5. Peripheral Equipment (Switches, Firewall, Scanners, etc.) – All Peripheral Equipment should be powered off and the UPS or Power Strip that they are plugged into
    should be removed from the Wall Outlet.
  6. Physical Location – If your office is in a flood zone or it has taken on water in the past you will want to make sure that all IT Systems (servers, desktops,UPS, etc.) are at least 2 feet off the ground.
  7. Telephone System – Please consult your telephone supplier for any recommended safeguards.  You will want to be sure that the Telephone System is protected by a UPS.
After the hurricane
  1. Initiate Damage Assessment – Review your environment for possible damage before restoring any power to any systems.  If systems are wet or damaged do not power on them on.  If electrical is restored but not stable, do not power on systems.
  2. No Damage Observed – If the office is essentially the way it was left prior to the hurricane you can plug in the power cords that were removed previously and power on the systems (plug in power cord of the UPS into the wall outlet, power on UPS or Power Strip, start Server or Desktop via Power Button).
Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions.