Preparing for the Unexpected: Why Every Business Needs a Bulletproof Disaster Recovery Plan

Hi everyone! I’m Amy Justis, President of CMIT Solutions of Charleston. Recently, I had the opportunity to join Fox News to discuss a topic that's crucial for every business owner: disaster recovery planning. In today’s world, natural disasters and cyber threats are on the rise, and small to midsize businesses are often the hardest hit. With Hurricane Helen fresh on our minds, impacting Western North Carolina so severely, we’re reminded of just how important it is to have a solid Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) in place.

CMIT Solutions of Charleston understands the challenges that come with business continuity. In a recent interview, Amy Justis, President of CMIT Solutions of Charleston, highlighted the importance of being prepared. Below, we’ll dive into some essential steps for creating an effective disaster recovery plan to keep your business resilient in the face of the unexpected.

Why Disaster Recovery Plans Matter

After Hurricane Helen recently impacted Western North Carolina, businesses experienced an estimated $50 billion in losses within just two weeks. For companies that suffer extensive data or equipment loss, the outlook is grim 97% close within two years, and many never reopen after the initial impact. To avoid becoming part of these statistics, small to midsize businesses must prioritize disaster recovery as part of their strategic planning.

Steps to Build a Resilient Disaster Recovery Plan

1. Back Up Your Data

Cloud Backups: The move to cloud solutions is critical. Platforms like Microsoft and Google offer cloud storage that is crucial for data recovery. Additionally, consider a third-party backup solution for added security.

Data Testing: Regularly test your backup systems to ensure everything is functioning as expected and data can be quickly restored if necessary.

2. Protect Physical Equipment

Elevate Devices: If you’re in an area prone to flooding, keep sensitive equipment on higher shelves or surfaces.

Waterproofing: For remote and home office setups, even simple solutions like trash bags or plastic coverings can help protect devices from roof leaks or accidental spills.

3. Plan for Power Outages

Ensure you have contingency measures for power-related disruptions. Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) can provide a temporary power source, allowing you to save data and safely shut down systems.

4. Develop a Communication Strategy

Keep your team connected and informed. Establish a clear communication chain so employees know who to contact and what actions to take during and after a disaster.

5. Practice Your Plan

Test your disaster recovery plan regularly. At CMIT Solutions, we conduct role-playing exercises with clients to simulate potential scenarios. This preparation helps identify gaps in the plan and ensures every team member knows their role.

How CMIT Solutions of Charleston Can Help

CMIT Solutions partners with businesses to develop custom disaster recovery plans tailored to each client’s specific needs. From technology and data protection to comprehensive continuity strategies, we ensure your business is well-equipped to handle disruptions. Our team works with clients to walk through their plan, update critical contacts, and address both technology and HR concerns.

Final Thoughts

Creating a disaster recovery plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require thoughtful preparation. By putting protective measures in place now, you can mitigate risk and avoid costly downtime. To learn more about how CMIT Solutions can help your business prepare for the unexpected, visit us at CMIT Solutions of Charleston.

For a full discussion with Amy Justis on disaster recovery, check out the video interview here.