September is National Disaster Preparedness Month and we have been supporters for many years.

Most natural disasters include the possibility of power outages.   Power outages from storm-related events cost the U.S. economy between $20 billion and $55 billion annually.  According to Agility Recovery, 70 percent of U.S. businesses will be affected by a power outage in the next 12 months, so it is essential that you understand your risk, develop a preparedness and mitigation plan, and take action.

Not only have we seen tornados in our area, the weather is in a very active tropical storm pattern, so it’s wise to be prepared if you lose power.  Here are some tips that we have gathered to help you weather the storm.

Make a plan

• If power outages are forecast in your area, who will take the appropriate steps before the emergency happens?
• What equipment should be unplugged to prevent damage from power surges, including computers, and all other important equipment?

Who is responsible?

• Do all computers have battery backups for short-term operation?
• Do you know how to turn the equipment back on?
• Where is your off-site backup stored, and how do you access it?
• Is there anything under refrigeration that needs to be protected or relocated?
• Is your VoIP phone roll-over going to an active and monitored smartphone?
• Do you use social media to advise clients of your outage?
  Who posts the info?
  Have your clients been advised to look at FB or the usual places you post?
• Who is your internet provider, and who is responsible for contacting them for updates?
• Is all equipment documented along with other valuables?
  Maintain a current photo or video inventory of your premises, equipment, inventory, supplies, etc.
• Who is able to work from home?
• Brief all team members of your plans in the case of an emergency
• Download the FEMA App for National Weather Service Alerts, Safety Tips, Preparation Checklists, and Maps of Disaster Resources.Get complete information from https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/ready_business_power-outage-toolkit.pdf

ACTSmart IT
332 Main Street
Wareham, MA 02571
ACTSmartIT.com
781-826-9665
855-WOW-SERVICE