IT Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Let’s talk about IT hurricane preparedness. If you own or operate a small or mid-sized business in Houston, hurricane season isn’t just something you watch on the news, it’s a real and present threat. When storms hit, it’s not just about sandbags and boarding up windows. It’s about making sure your technology and operations are resilient enough to weather the storm, too.

It’s important to be prepared because when the wind starts howling, you want peace of mind that your data, systems, and communication channels are safe and operational.

Here at All In IT, we specialize in helping Houston businesses prepare for the unexpected. Below, we break down a practical, 12-step guide to get your IT hurricane ready.

Have a Written Disaster Recovery Plan

This is your playbook for worst-case scenarios. Who does what? What systems take priority? A clear, written plan saves time and confusion during an emergency.

Make sure to store this plan in the cloud so it’s accessible even if your office isn’t.

Document Your Network

Your IT team or provider should have a detailed map of your network: servers, devices, passwords, cloud services, and more. This documentation is essential if you need to rebuild or troubleshoot post-storm.

Back Up Your Data Offsite

Most businesses have onsite backups. But if a hurricane floods your building, that local backup is toast. Offsite or cloud-based backups are your lifeline. At All in IT, we have our own private cloud services to offer customers control, reliability, and peace of mind during the hurricane season.

Test You Backups

A backup isn’t much help if it doesn’t work. Ask your IT provider to test restore functionality. Make sure your data can be retrieved fast.

Identify What Can Be Done Remotely

Which roles or functions can keep running outside the office? Get clarity on who can do what and how they’ll do it.

Enable Remote Access

Ensure employees have the tools to work from home securely: VPNs, laptops, software access, and proper authentication methods.

Set Expectations with Your Staff

Everyone should know the game plan. What happens if the office is inaccessible for a few days? A few weeks? Communicate procedures ahead of time.

Share a Computer Equipment Checklist

Employees working remotely need the right gear. Share a checklist so they know what to take home if a storm is on the horizon: laptop, charger, headset, mouse, etc.

Practice Remote Work

Don’t wait until the storm hits to figure it out. Schedule a remote work drill. It’s the best way to surface hiccups before it really matters.

Create an Inventory of Office Tech

What technology lives in your office? Document all equipment, computers, phones, printers, routers. This will help if you need to file insurance claims or replace hardware.

Forward Phone Lines

Your business phone system should be storm-proof. Set up call forwarding to mobile phones or softphones so customers can still reach you.

Have Your IT Team on Standby

When the storm clears, you may need help getting your systems back online. Make sure your IT provider is ready and reachable.

Why This Matters

The cost of downtime for small and mid-sized businesses is steep. A few days without access to systems, files, or communications can mean lost revenue, frustrated customers, and a long road to recovery.

With a solid IT hurricane preparedness plan, you’re not just protecting data, you’re protecting your business’s ability to function, serve clients, and bounce back faster.

Need Help Getting Prepared?

At All In IT, we specialize in helping Houston-area businesses prepare for hurricane season and beyond. Our team can:

• Review and test your backups
• Set up or optimize remote work capabilities
• Document your network
• Develop a customized disaster recovery plan

Your business deserves more than hope and duct tape. Download the easy 12-step checklist to keep it accessible and at your fingertips.

Let’s get your business IT hurricane ready. Contact us today and sleep easier this storm season.