What Your Hurricane Kit Might Be Missing: Your IT Essentials

Here in Florida, we know the drill—hurricane season rolls in, and suddenly everyone is rushing to buy bottled water, gas up generators, and fill sandbags.

But there’s one area most small businesses forget to prep until it’s too late: their technology.

It’s easy to assume your tech is fine because you back things up to the cloud or have an IT company “on call.” But the truth is, what you do this week could determine how quickly your team gets back to work after the storm passes.

Here’s how to think through your hurricane prep from a technology perspective—and what supplies and safeguards are truly worth having on hand.

Remote Readiness: Stay Connected When the Office Goes Dark

If a hurricane shuts down your office or knocks out power, your team might still need to work—from home, from a hotel, or even from their phone. But that only works if you've planned ahead.

For example, surge protectors and battery packs aren’t just about convenience. They’re the first line of defense when power flickers—protecting laptops from frying and keeping mobile devices powered while you wait for the lights to come back on. Even one charged battery pack can keep you connected to clients, vendors, or emergency services.

Spare chargers and docking stations are another small but mighty backup. If a team member forgets a charger at the office, it can bring their work to a halt. Having extras on hand helps avoid delays when stores are closed or shipping is disrupted.

Connectivity is also a concern. WiFi often goes down after storms, and cell signals can be unreliable. A portable WiFi hotspot or even a basic ethernet cable can keep a business-critical laptop online long enough to upload reports, check payroll, or contact vendors.

And when it comes to storing files? Cloud access might not be guaranteed in the immediate aftermath of a storm. An external hard drive or encrypted USB stick with key files allows your team to keep working offline or share data quickly—without waiting on systems to come back online.

Most importantly, every business should keep a printed list of IT contacts, vendor information, and account access instructions. If you can’t access your email or password manager, you’ll be glad you had a physical copy. We’ve seen too many businesses lose time simply because no one had the login to their own cloud storage.

In-Office Equipment Protection: What You Can’t Move, You Must Shield

Not all technology travels. Servers, printers, networking gear—they’re heavy, expensive, and often fixed in place. If water starts coming through the roof or creeping under the door, these items are sitting ducks.

This is where plastic sheeting or heavy-duty tarps can make a huge difference. Just like you’d protect furniture or windows, covering equipment provides a barrier against falling debris, water, and dust stirred up during a storm. Even a small leak can destroy a server if water finds its way into a vent.

Small devices—like routers, external drives, or backup batteries—should be stored in waterproof containers if possible. It's a simple precaution that can prevent a total loss if a ceiling leaks or a window blows out.

Cables and cords are often overlooked but are just as vulnerable. Velcro ties or clips can be used to lift them off the floor, reducing the chance of electrical shorts or water damage. It's a quick fix that could save you hundreds in replacement costs.

And let’s talk about elevation—whether it’s using server racks or just placing tech on shelves. Even a few inches of height can keep your gear out of danger if floodwater enters your space. We’ve seen cardboard boxes destroyed by an inch of water—shelving makes a real difference.

Finally, take time to label everything clearly—cables, devices, ports. In the chaos of recovery, clear labels mean faster reconnections, fewer errors, and a lot less stress for your IT team (or yourself).

Print What You Can’t Afford to Lose

When systems go down, your digital files won’t help if you can’t access them. That’s why it’s crucial to print and protect key documents ahead of time.

Start with your Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan. This should include contact info, communication protocols, and a clear list of steps your team needs to take if a storm hits. Don’t just have it—review it with your staff so they know where to find it and how to follow it.

Next, create and print a list of all your IT equipment with serial numbers. This is critical if you need to file an insurance claim or reorder lost equipment. It also helps your IT provider assess damage and create a recovery plan faster.

Keep a printed copy of your insurance policy with contact numbers and claim instructions. If your computer is underwater, you'll need that info to act fast.

Store login credentials for essential systems (email, accounting, file storage, vendor accounts) securely in an offline location, like a locked cabinet or encrypted USB. In an emergency, someone will need access—and password resets may not be an option if your primary contact methods are down.

Finally, run and print a backup verification report before the storm. Know what’s been backed up, where it lives (cloud or local), and when it was last updated. This gives you peace of mind that your business data isn’t at risk—even if your building is.

Why This Matters

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to prepare your business for hurricane season—but you do need a plan.

Most of these steps take just a few minutes. But when the wind picks up and power lines go down, these small actions can save you hours—or even days—of downtime.

Whether you manage a team of 2 or 20, now’s the time to gather your supplies, walk through your plan, and make sure everyone knows what to do.

And if you don’t have a plan? There’s still time to create one.

We’re always here to help, no pressure—just practical advice and support to get you through storm season safely and smoothly.