Disaster readiness is critically important in every state, but none more than Florida. This checklist helps MSPs evaluate their internal preparedness to support clients during disasters common to Central Florida, such as hurricanes, while maintaining their own operational capabilities.
Please be sure to read the companion “MSP Guide: Business Preparedness and Recovery During an Active Hurricane Season” which outlines how MSPs can navigate a turbulent season by adopting disaster preparedness measures, supporting their clients, and seizing opportunities to offer enhanced services.
Step 1: Assess Internal Backup and Recovery Systems
- Review Backup Infrastructure: Ensure backups for critical systems are stored securely offsite or in the cloud.
- Test Backup Restorations: Regularly test the ability to restore systems from backups to verify readiness.
- Ensure Data Replication: Confirm real-time or near-real-time data replication for critical applications.
Step 2: Evaluate Team Preparedness
- Remote Work Capabilities: Ensure all employees have secure VPN access and required tools to work from home during disasters.
- Staff Roles and Responsibilities: Assign team members specific roles for disaster response, such as client communication or technical restoration tasks.
- Emergency Communication Plan: Establish multiple channels (e.g., email, phone, messaging apps) for internal team communications.
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Step 3: Review Client Support Plans
- Disaster Recovery Protocols: Verify you have updated disaster recovery plans for all clients.
- Critical Client Prioritization: Identify clients with high-priority needs during disasters and create a service triage plan.
- Client Communication Plans: Ensure clear protocols for keeping clients informed during disasters.
Step 4: Address Physical Risks to Operations
- Data Center Resilience: Confirm your data centers or colocation facilities are in disaster-resilient locations.
- Onsite Equipment Safety: Evaluate the physical security and environmental controls for equipment in hurricane-prone areas.
Step 5: Schedule Regular Drills and Reviews
- Disaster Simulations: Conduct disaster readiness drills annually to test your team’s response to hurricanes and other emergencies.
- Review Plans Annually: Update internal disaster recovery plans each year or after significant organizational changes.
ChannelPro has created this resource to help busy MSPs streamline their decision-making process. This resource offers a starting point for evaluating key business choices, saving time and providing clarity. While this resource is designed to guide you through important considerations, we encourage you to seek more references and professional advice to ensure fully informed decisions.
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