Weather extremes in Chicago — whether icy winters or severe summer storms — can cause major disruptions for area businesses. This checklist is designed to help MSPs evaluate their own disaster recovery preparedness. It equips them to keep their clients safe, operational, and prepared for anything. Use this as a practical tool to assess your processes, strengthen your offerings, and identify new opportunities to provide value.
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#1: Assess Your Own Disaster Recovery Preparedness
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Ensure Data Redundancy
- Verify your MSP’s internal data is backed up to secure offsite or cloud storage.
- Test the restoration process quarterly to guarantee accessibility during emergencies.
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Evaluate Power Backup Systems
- Ensure that your office and key equipment are supported by UPS systems and have access to backup generators.
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Establish a Team Communication Plan
- Create multiple channels for internal communication during emergencies (e.g., email, Slack, phone trees).
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Why It’s Important
- If your MSP isn’t operating during a disaster, it will affect your ability to support clients.
#2: Conduct Client Preparedness Assessments
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Evaluate Data Backup Systems
- Confirm that client data is backed up and stored in secure, redundant locations.
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Review Power Continuity Plans
- Make sure clients have UPS systems for critical equipment and assess the need for generators.
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Check Remote Work Readiness
- Verify that clients have secure VPNs, remote desktop access, and collaboration tools in place.
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Why It’s Important
- Proactively identifying gaps helps reduce downtime and keeps clients operational, no matter the weather.
#3: Develop Incremental Revenue Opportunities
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Offer a Weather-readiness Package
- Include seasonal audits, enhanced monitoring during weather events, and priority support during emergencies.
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Market Premium Backup Solutions
- Pitch advanced cloud backup solutions as a reliable option for high-priority clients.
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Provide Emergency Retainers
- Sell subscription-based retainers that guarantee rapid-response services during disasters.
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Why It’s Important
- This approach not only protects your clients but also strengthens your MSP’s revenue base.
#4: Prepare Tools and Resources for Field Response
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Assemble Emergency Kits
- Stock portable battery backups, mobile hotspots, and basic repair tools for quick on-site service.
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Maintain an Up-to-date Resource List
- Keep contact details for key vendors, power companies, and local emergency services.
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Equip Your Team for Remote Support
- Ensure all team members have laptops, secure remote access, and clear protocols for assisting clients from home.
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Become Familiar with Local Emergency Resources
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Why It’s Important
- Being well-equipped allows you to deliver seamless service under challenging conditions.
#5: Communicate Proactively with Clients
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Send Weather Alerts and Recommendations
- Notify clients of upcoming severe weather and share tips to prepare their systems.
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Schedule Pre-storm Readiness Checks
- Offer assessments or quick tune-ups for clients ahead of extreme weather events.
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Run Post-storm Follow-ups
- Check in with clients to identify and resolve any lingering issues caused by weather disruptions.
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Why It’s Important
- Regular communication reinforces trust and positions you as a proactive partner.
Summary and Next Steps
This checklist helps ensure your MSP and your clients are ready for Chicago’s unpredictable weather, while also highlighting new ways to generate revenue. Start by conducting an internal audit of your own disaster readiness, then reach out to clients with a weather-specific assessment and service recommendations. Prepare and act proactively to strengthen relationships, keep systems running smoothly, and grow your business.
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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.
Featured image: iStock
