Prepare for Disaster

Given the real possibilities of

• natural disasters
• flood
• fire
• theft
• power outage
• vandals
• viruses
• air conditioning failure
• spyware
• faulty software installation
• root kits
• key loggers

a small business or homeowner should be prepared, just in case.

The leading causes for business downtime are

• equipment failure
• power outages and fire

4 out of 5 businesses never recover from a catastrophe.

Risk Assessment

Determine how vulnerable your business is to disasters.

Some of this is geography related. Are you in a flood plain? Earthquake zone? Tornado region?

Some risk is related to your surroundings. Is the building up to code? Does it sit next to a fireworks factory?

Risk Reduction

Determine what you can do to reduce the risks of a disaster.

• Keep a box of emergency supplies on hand that includes copies of your important documents in sealable plastic bags.
• Purchase a fireproof safe for temporary protection of your valuables.
• Rent a safety deposit box for another set of your important papers. Consider choosing a location outside of your immediate vicinity, in case the disaster affects the entire community.
• Include in your important papers a copy of your household inventory, preferably an electronic copy on a CD.
• Back up data remotely - a good online service or off site facility.
• Automate your computer backup so you do not forget.
• Keep your computers updated with latest security software.
• Keep copies of your application software safe, along with the necessary keys.

Disaster Recovery

Plan on what to do if disaster does strike.

• How and who is going to do data recovery.
• temporary place to set up shop.