Comprehensive Post-Hurricane IT Department Recovery Checklist

Damage Assessment & Recovery

  1. Assess Physical Damage
  • Take photos of all damage to equipment, servers, and infrastructure.
  1. Inspect Data Center
  • Check for water damage, power outages, or physical threats.
  1. Conduct Environmental Checks
  • Verify humidity and temperature levels in data centers and server rooms.
  1. Inventory Hardware
  • Take an inventory of all hardware to assess damage or loss.
  1. Evaluate Peripheral Devices
  • Check all peripherals (printers, scanners) for functionality.
  1. Secure Data Access
  • Confirm that data access controls are in place and functioning.

Data Backup & Application Testing

  1. Verify Backup Integrity
  • Ensure all data backups are intact and accessible.
  1. Test Backup Restoration
  • Perform a test restore from backup to validate processes.
  1. Test Critical Applications
  • Ensure all mission-critical applications are functional and accessible.
  1. Review Non-Critical Applications
    • Assess the functionality of less critical applications.
  2. Conduct User Accessibility Tests
    • Ensure all employees can access necessary systems and applications.
  3. Ensure Database Functionality
    • Verify that all databases are operational and accessible.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

  1. Communicate with Stakeholders
    • Send updates to key stakeholders regarding recovery status and timelines.
  2. Establish Alternate Communication Channels
    • Set up temporary communication channels if primary systems are down.
  3. Verify Communication with External Vendors
    • Ensure external vendors are informed and operational if services are needed.
  4. Draft FAQs for Employees
    • Prepare a list of frequently asked questions regarding IT services post-storm.

Support Desk Operations

  1. Reinstate Help Desk Operations
    • Ensure support desk is staffed and operational for employee assistance.
  2. Implement Ticketing System
    • Ensure the ticketing system is functioning for tracking issues.
  3. Train Help Desk Staff
    • Provide training for staff on handling post-recovery issues.
  4. Establish Escalation Procedures
    • Ensure there are clear escalation procedures for unresolved issues.

Security & Compliance

  1. Verify Security Protocols
    • Check that security protocols and firewalls are active and functioning.
  2. Conduct Security Audits
    • Perform a security audit to identify any vulnerabilities post-storm.
  3. Update Compliance Documentation
    • Ensure compliance documentation reflects any changes in protocols.
  4. Review Access Permissions
    • Audit user access permissions to ensure they are appropriate.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

  1. Review and Update Documentation
    • Update all IT documentation to reflect any changes in systems or processes.
  2. Prepare a Recovery Report
    • Document the recovery process, noting challenges and successes for future reference.
  3. Conduct a Post-Mortem Analysis
    • Analyze the recovery process to identify areas for improvement.
  4. Plan for Future Mitigation
    • Discuss and document lessons learned for future hurricane preparedness.

Infrastructure & Systems Check

  1. Check Network Connectivity
    • Verify that internet and intranet connections are operational.
  2. Review Telephony Systems
    • Ensure phone systems (VoIP, landlines) are operational.
  3. Confirm Cloud Services Functionality
    • Ensure that cloud-based services and applications are working.
  4. Verify Remote Access Systems
    • Ensure VPN and remote access systems are operational.

Team Coordination & Support

  1. Coordinate with Other Departments
    • Collaborate with other departments to assess their IT needs and support.
  2. Conduct a Team Meeting
    • Hold a meeting to discuss recovery efforts and gather feedback from the team.
  3. Establish Team Roles
    • Define roles and responsibilities for team members during recovery.
  4. Schedule Regular Check-ins
    • Set up a schedule for ongoing check-ins to monitor system performance and user needs post-recovery.

Future Planning & Community Engagement

  1. Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
    • Document a comprehensive disaster recovery plan for future incidents.
  2. Engage with Local Community Resources
    • Reach out to local IT organizations for shared resources or support.
  3. Review Vendor Support Contracts
    • Ensure all vendor contracts are up to date and meet recovery needs.
  4. Communicate Recovery Timeline to Staff
    • Provide clear timelines to staff for when services will be fully restored.

By following this extended checklist, your IT department will be better equipped to recover efficiently and effectively after a hurricane. If you need supplemental support, NextGen IT Advisors would be more than happy to arrange a call to further understand your needs.