Preparing Your Business Technology for Hurricane and Storm Season in Maine
Practical technology preparation steps for Maine businesses ahead of hurricane and storm season including backup verification, power protection, remote access planning, and communication procedures.
Before the storm: verify backups
- Confirm that all critical data is backing up successfully. Run a test restore of key files.
- Make sure at least one backup is offsite or in the cloud, not just a local drive in the same building.
- Document how to restore critical systems. If the person who normally handles this is unavailable, someone else needs the instructions.
Power protection and hardware
- Ensure all servers, network equipment, and critical computers are on battery backup (UPS) units.
- Test UPS batteries. They typically last 2-3 years and degrade without warning.
- Know how to safely shut down servers and equipment if an extended outage is expected.
- Surge protectors protect against spikes. Only a UPS protects against outages and provides time for a clean shutdown.
Remote access and communication planning
- Confirm that key staff can access email, files, and critical systems from home or alternate locations.
- Test VPN or remote desktop connections before a storm, not during.
- Document how to forward office phones to cell phones if the office is unreachable.
- Keep a printed contact list of employees, vendors, insurance, and IT support. Cloud documents are not helpful if the internet is down.
After the storm
- Do not power equipment back on until power is stable. Fluctuating power after a storm can damage electronics.
- Check for water damage, condensation, or debris around equipment before powering on.
- Test internet connectivity, phones, and critical applications before declaring systems operational.
- If anything was damaged, document it for insurance before making repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a UPS keep equipment running during an outage?
Most small business UPS units provide 10-30 minutes of runtime, which is enough for a clean shutdown. If you need hours of runtime, you need a generator in addition to UPS protection.
What is the most common technology problem after a storm?
Power surges damaging equipment that was not on surge protection, and internet outages lasting longer than expected. A cellular hotspot or backup internet connection can keep critical operations running during extended internet outages.
Need help?
Maine CyberTech helps Maine businesses prepare their technology for storm season with backup verification, power protection, and remote access planning. Contact us for a storm preparedness technology review.
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