Summer storms and hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) bring major risks to businesses, especially when it comes to on-site technology and data centers. Power surges, flooding, and high winds can wreak havoc on servers, POS systems, and critical electronics. Proactive protection not only keeps systems operational but also safeguards sensitive data and business continuity.
Water Damage Prevention
Flooding and leaks are among the biggest threats to IT infrastructure:
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Elevate Equipment: Place servers, routers, and POS systems at least several inches off the floor to prevent damage from minor flooding.
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Seal Entry Points: Inspect and seal walls, windows, and cable entry points to reduce the risk of water intrusion.
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Water Sensors: Install moisture detection systems in server rooms to provide early warnings before leaks become disasters.
Protecting Against Power Surges
Storms often cause sudden surges or outages that can fry sensitive electronics:
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Surge Protectors & UPS Systems: Ensure all critical equipment is connected to surge-protected outlets and backup Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS).
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Backup Generators: Invest in generators to keep essential systems running during prolonged outages. Test them regularly.
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Automated Shutdown Protocols: Configure servers to power down safely in the event of extended outages, reducing the risk of data corruption.
Mitigating Wind Risks
Even strong winds can cause indirect damage by compromising facilities:
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Secure External Equipment: Anchor outdoor hardware, satellite dishes, and networking units.
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Reinforce Structures: Protect rooftop units and ensure server rooms are housed in secure, reinforced areas within your facility.
Data Continuity Measures
Protecting physical hardware is only half the battle:
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Cloud Backups: Regularly back up data to secure, offsite, or cloud-based servers.
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Redundant Systems: Implement redundancy between locations to prevent single points of failure.
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Disaster Recovery Plan: Have a documented and tested recovery plan to ensure operations can resume quickly.
The Bottom Line
Technology is the backbone of modern business, and a single storm can disrupt operations for days—or permanently destroy valuable data. By safeguarding servers, POS systems, and electronics from water, surges, and wind damage, businesses can stay resilient, protect their assets, and maintain customer trust even when nature is at its most unpredictable.
