The Computer Doctors is very busy assisting our clients with IT recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Milton. We will first focus on our Managed Services clients (those that we have a service contract with), and then we will assist other clients that are break/fix. Customers may also bring their devices into our service center beginning Friday at normal business hours and get quick support.
We are grateful that Milton did seemingly minimal damage to most of our immediate area. This storm could have been much worse, and truly was for many people south of us. Our hearts go out to those who lost property or suffered damage or worse and they are in our thoughts and prayers. We will do what we can to send help and support to Central and South Florida evacuees and businesses affected and we encourage you to do the same. Our hearts also continue to hurt for folks in the Big Bend region and in the Appalachian regions still suffering from Helene and please know that our prayers and thoughts and support are with you as well. We encourage everyone to continue to donate if possible to relief agencies for people suffering from both of these storms.
We are also thankful that our company did not suffer any ill effects, even though our offices were closed for a couple of days. However, we were still providing field hurricane preparation for clients like you, and now we are turning our attention to recovery efforts.
There are still a few power outages and/or flooded areas in and around St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and Palatka. Please be careful as you survey your business watching for down power lines and other hazards. If your equipment is wet, do not plug it in!
Keep in mind that restoration from power outages and internet outages are unpredictable and could be delayed. They can also recur after initial restoration, as it is not uncommon that only temporary repairs to these systems were made with plans for more permanent fixes later on. So still be prepared to use alternate options such as cell phone hotspots, moving your devices home or to a hotel room, etc., if your business is impacted from these factors. Don’t attempt to operate when power is unreliable as equipment damage can occur. If you bring a generator in for business continuity, make sure to only run it outside and be sure you isolate it from the power grid using a transfer switch. You don’t want to hurt a lineman working on the power lines!
Also remember that most businesses need both power AND internet to operate. It’s a good idea to address both types of outages. You may be able to use the hotspot on your cell phone as a temporary internet connection for your computer. Call us for help on how to do this. If your business is mission critical, you might consider hiring us to help you develop a disaster recovery plan that includes business continuity even in the middle of the storm. We can definitely help you with that.
Hopefully if you evacuated from the area, you followed our instructions on putting equipment up and off the floor and took the time as we suggested to label where all the cables plug in. If you have power in your business, you may proceed with reconnection of your devices referred to your notes and to the labels. In most cases, power and internet services have already been restored to your area, but please be careful as you proceed. If you do everything we advised, chances are good that you can get yourself back online again without our help.
If you have any difficulty getting your equipment reconnected or back online, you can open a ticket with us and we will be happy to help.
If you had damage, reach out to us so we can perform a survey and assessment, and also reach out to your insurance agent who can help you file a claim as soon as possible. We recommend getting agent involved that sold you the policy rather than contacting the insurance company directly or via their website–they are much better advocates for you and you are much less likely to run into denied claims. Be sure to take stock of ALL the damage, equipment or otherwise, and file it on a single claim. Also be sure to retain any damaged equipment for at least 60 days for an adjuster to inspect in case they ask. We can inspect equipment and provide affidavits for you upon request. Just open a ticket with us.
If any leased digital copiers were damaged or destroyed, in most cases those perils are generally already covered by the terms of the lease. All you generally have to do is contact the company that manages the copier and they take care of everything–it shouldn’t cost you a dime. Never move any copier under lease out of your unit—only the copier company can move it to another address—maybe you can roll it into a room away from windows and doors but it needs to stay in your office. If your digital copier lease has already been paid off, file any damage with your insurance company instead. Leased computers and other equipment on the other hand are generally not covered by the leasing company, so use your business umbrella insurance policy after the deductible is met.
It’s also a good time to review your disaster recovery plans along with your insurance coverage. Keep our bulletin advisories handy for reference for when the next storm hits. It could be next week!
Here are a few suggestions you will want to keep for the next storm if you should have to evacuate:
-
- Back up data: If we are not already managing backups for you, make a copy of your data and keep it in a safe place.
-
- Unplug devices: Turn off computers, monitors, printers, and other peripherals, and unplug all power cords. Unplug Ethernet cables from computers and docking stations. Label everything for later on.
-
- Move equipment: Move computers and other equipment off the floor and away from windows and doors. Place them on top of desks or other high, dry locations.
-
- Cover equipment: Cover computers with plastic sheeting or trash bags.
-
- Consider taking laptops home: Decide if you want to take laptops home or leave them in a secure location.
-
- Prepare for power outages. Turn devices and battery backups off and unplug the battery backups from the wall outlet. Take notes or label them so you can put them back later. Raise them onto a table if they are sitting on the floor.
-
- Redirect phones: Forward business phones to a cell phone or to a softphone app so you can make and receive calls over your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
-
- Review and update your plan: Regularly review and update your disaster preparedness plan. Incorporate lessons learned from past incidents.
-
- Do not turn on any equipment after the hurricane if it is visibly damaged or wet.
-
- Above all, be safe. Your life is worth much more than your computer or business.
We are still in hurricane season. Please continue to monitor the NOAA website at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov and the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/Hurricanemilton for updates regarding Milton and Helene recovery efforts and future storm planning. When preparing for emergencies, read Jerry’s blog for tips by clicking here: What SMBs need to know about hurricane and disaster planning