NOAA's latest outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is calling for a below normal year, but do not let that lull your business into skipping the prep work. Forecasters have been clear that even a quieter season only needs one storm in the wrong place to cause real damage. Now is still the time to get your technology ready for whatever the season brings. Here are some recommendations to consider in case your business finds itself in the path of a major storm.
Tip #1 — Back Up Your Data Offsite
Don’t wait until there’s a storm system looming in the weather forecast. Act now to implement a reliable offsite backup solution that protects your data, enables rapid recovery, and ensures data integrity.
Net Friends Pro-Tip: Test & Verify Your Backup Recovery Solution.
Implementing a backup solution is just the first step!
Verify that all automatic backups are online and syncing properly before adverse weather arrives. Perform regular checks on your data recovery process to confirm that everything is good to go.
Learn more about Net Friends’ Managed Backups. While Net Friends experts routinely conduct restore tests, we are happy to help you gain confidence and peace of mind by restoring specific critical files for your business upon request prior to a big storm.
Tip #2 — Provision a UPS for Key Infrastructure
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a battery backup that provides your technology with a temporary power source. It will provide you with the critical time to react to any electrical disruption while minimizing data loss and equipment damage. An uninterruptible power supply offers protection against expensive downtime for vital services and increases business efficiency.
Plan for an infrastructure or utility failure by having a Net Friends expert confirm your UPS is properly configured and the right size for the equipment it is intended to protect. Consider contacting a local electrician to get pricing on a natural gas generator for key power outlets at your business. This is more affordable than you might think.
Net Friends Pro-Tip: Set Devices to Auto-Shutdown.
Prevent data loss and protect against a corrupted hard drive by setting UPS-connected computers to auto-shutdown during prolonged power outages.
Tip #3 — Set a Remote Connectivity Plan
Hybrid and remote work are now part of everyday business, but that does not mean your team is automatically ready for a storm. If employees cannot reach the office and lose internet at home, they will need a plan B in place before the weather turns.
Remind staff to keep all their devices fully charged, including their emergency power chargers, so you can confirm employees are safe and implement contingency directives. Ask staff to brainstorm and confirm a list of places they could work from if needed.
Pro-Tip: Prepare to Be Offline.
If you have a laptop, synchronize essential files and articles that you can access and engage offline. When the power goes out, you can still stay productive.
Keep an updated emergency contact tree on hand, so everyone knows who to call, including key vendors and your IT provider, instead of scrambling to figure it out once the power's already out.
Tip #4 — Take Inventory of Your Technology
Take inventory of all technology assets, including model, serial numbers, and licenses to report in insurance claims if a storm damages business property. According to our partners at Insurance People, many insurance adjusters require proof of the original purchase for claims valued at over $2,500. Consider securely moving equipment to higher ground if they are not already elevated.
Pro-Tip: Snap Photos & Record Video.
Whenever there is a disaster, it can be difficult to recall every asset.
Complete a walk-through of your business to snap photos of the product information on larger technology equipment and record a video of your office environment, including computer/phone/printing systems, server room, and general office setup.
Our FREE 2026 Hurricane IT Preparedness Checklist
If you aren't 100% confident that your business can weather any storm, please contact us and we can discuss how Net Friends can help you address storm-related technology concerns.
More Reading :
Protect Your IT Systems Before the Storm Hits
Is Crisis Communication Part of Your Cybersecurity Toolbox?
A Tech CEO’s Guide to Preparing Your Business for Regional Disasters
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At Net Friends, we believe in the power of human expertise. While we leverage AI to enhance our content and processes, all blog posts are written and edited by our knowledgeable staff. You can trust you are getting insights directly from our team.