Business continuity planning (BCP) means that a business has a plan to follow when an event occurs that may stop it from operating. This could be anything from a minor interruption to a full blown disaster. The object of the plan is to keep the business safe and secure with a minimized loss of down time.

Most departments inside a business have a BC plan to follow when an event happens. These plans are called checklists, and they must be followed in order. This blog is for the IT department's BCP, to help create a checklist of what to do before and after the storm.

Once your location has become a hurricane watch or warning the threat to a suspension (shutdown) of your business is real. It's time to get out the checklist. Make sure everyone has a current copy and knows their assignments.

Caveat: This checklist is very basic. We know that every business is different. Use this information as a starting point to help create your own IT checklist for shutting down and restarting your business' computers. Once you have a checklist implemented you should run a full trial, making sure nothing has been forgotten and everyone knows what to do. Whenever you update or add any IT device, you should look at your checklist and update as necessary.

Before the Storm: Getting ready to secure your business' IT

1.Start with an orderly shutdown of the computers. Typically shutdown all workstations first, servers last.

2.Next, disconnect the computers and components from the wall. This is easily accomplished by turning off and unplugging the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that the computer and components are plugged into. (The less you disconnect the easer it will be to restart.)

3.Disconnect the Ethernet cables attached to the computers.

4.Turn off your Internet modem, router, and other Internet components, then turn off and unplug the UPS that protects these items (At this point nothing should be plugged into any electric outlet.)

5.Disconnect the Internet connection cable from your modem and disconnect the Ethernet cable from the modem to the router.

If your business is in a flood zone you should move your computers and any components that are on the ground off the ground (at least desk or table top height).

After the Storm: Getting ready to restart your business' IT

1.Reconnect the Internet connection cable to your modem and the Ethernet cable to the router.

2.Plug in the UPS that powers your Internet modem, router, and other Internet components , turn on the UPS then turn on the modem first, router, etc. Once your modem and router lights indicate you have an Internet connection, you are ready to continue.

3.Reconnect the Ethernet cables into the computers.

4.Starting with servers (last one shutdown is the first one on) plug in the UPS that powers the server. Turn on the UPS, then the monitor and other components. Usually the last thing is the computer.

5.Once all the servers are running, you can start powering up the workstations using the same method as the servers.

It's important to only power up one device at a time. Starting more than one at a time could cause a power surge followed by a blackout, especially if the building's power was off because of the storm.

Everyday Continuity: Planning for Data Recovery

How good are your backups? Your business' data is your most important asset. It should go without saying that your data must be backed up every business day, storm or no storm.

Are your backups stored in a safe location? Your backups must be stored off premises in a safe and secure location that offers easy access to recover your information should the occasion occur.

Experts recommend using an automated online backup service. HexiSTOR's online Backup / Restore products will automatically backup your business data using the Internet to a safe and secure location. Your data is available 24/7 to restore anything from a single file to a complete server. Try the HexiSTOR 30-day free backup trial and see the difference a business oriented backup service will make.