IT disaster recovery requires careful planning, resource management, and gap assessment to ensure business continuity during disruptions.
Recently, an ice storm hit the Midwest, causing significant disruption. As we prepared for the storm, I considered how my family would handle potential outcomes like a long-term power outage. My concerns included heating our home, preserving food in our refrigerator and freezer, and cooking meals. All in all, I felt like we were well prepared.
For heat, we have a gas fireplace that will still run even without power, that is able to keep my main living area warm and comfortable. As a backup, I have a wood burning stove that could also be used to heat an area of my house. I had plenty of firewood for the wood burner that would allow me to keep it going for probably close to a week. So heating got a check.
For my food, I have battery-powered sensors in my fridge and freezer that allow me to keep track of the temperatures to know that the food is staying cold enough during a short power outage. For longer power outages, I have a portable generator with extension cords and enough watt capacity to power the fridge, freezer and still have capacity for some other devices such as cell phone charges and most importantly, the coffee pot. I had the generator filled with gas and a spare gas tank that could refill it a couple of times before I’d need to get additional fuel. I felt prepared as far as food storage went.
For cooking, I thought I had a couple of options. My generator has an outlet for larger appliances such as a stove/range. I might have to turn everything else off while I use it, but that would only be for a short time, so that would be an acceptable risk. I could also use my microwave to heat up food as well.
When we lost power for several days, I was ready, or so I thought. What I had missed was that the outlet on my generator is different than the plug on my stove, so I would not be able to use that to fix food. I also hadn’t thought about the fact that my microwave is built-in to my cabinets and not easily accessible to be able to plug in an extension cord. So, I obviously had some gaps in my plan that I hadn’t foreseen that I need to address for next time.
What does this have to do with technology? Preparing for an ice storm and preparing an IT Disaster Recovery plan share many similarities. Just as one would take steps to ensure their home remains warm, food stays fresh, and cooking is possible during a power outage caused by an ice storm, businesses must also take proactive measures to safeguard their IT infrastructure against potential disasters. Both scenarios require careful planning, resource allocation, and contingency strategies to mitigate the impact and ensure continuity. These are plans that need to be re-evaluated regularly and assessed after an event to see where gaps may exist and making plans to address those gaps.
“Preparing for an ice storm and preparing an IT Disaster Recovery plan share many similarities.”
If you haven’t gone through the process of creating your IT Disaster Recovery plan and a process to keep it up-to-date, now is the time to start. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike before you get prepared. Your business is too important to be left to chance. Keller Schroeder can help you with any or all parts of this process. If you need assistance in creating a plan or would like help evaluating your existing plans, Contact us today or talk to your Keller Schroeder Account Manager today.
Written By:
Ryan Kremer
Vice President
Infrastructure Solutions Group
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