Protecting Your Tech During Storms: Middle Tennessee

When severe snow or ice storms roll through Middle Tennessee, power outages aren’t just a possibility; they’re often a guarantee with the number of trees we have, and while safety is the top concern, protecting your business technology is close behind. With power outages, power surges, and connectivity disruptions on the horizon, now is the time to prepare your systems and staff for what’s ahead.

This guide walks through the simple, proactive steps your team can take today to minimize risk, reduce downtime, and stay productive if your office goes dark.

Before the Storm: Power Down with Intention

If your building is at risk of losing power, we recommend the following precautions:

• Shut down all on-site servers, workstations, and networking equipment in a safe, controlled manner. Sudden power loss can lead to hardware damage and data corruption.
• Unplug devices after shutdown, especially servers. Many servers are set to auto-boot when power returns. If left plugged in, they could restart during unstable voltage conditions, increasing the chance of damage.
• Turn off and unplug non-essential electronics, including printers, monitors, and docking stations. This helps prevent damage from surges and saves power during restoration.
• Confirm backups are up to date and stored securely either in the cloud or offsite. If you’re unsure, this is the time to check or call us for help.
• If you’re using a generator, try to use an inverter-style model. These provide cleaner, more stable power that’s safer for sensitive electronics like servers, workstations, and networking gear.

Even if your equipment is connected to battery backups or surge protectors, these tools are only meant for short-term protection and safe shutdowns – not long-term uptime during a storm.

For businesses that rely on in-house infrastructure, this step is especially important. A rushed or improper shutdown can cause lingering issues that aren’t always obvious right away. As your managed IT partner, our goal is to help you avoid surprises not clean up after them.

Plan for Remote Work: Keep Your Team Connected

If there’s a chance your office will be inaccessible next week, now is the time to get remote-ready.

We know not every business has a fully remote setup ready to go at a moment’s notice. That’s why we recommend:

• Letting us know today if any team members need help setting up for remote access. We can ensure their PCs, accounts, and permissions are configured properly before the storm arrives.
• Testing remote tools in advance: VPN, Microsoft 365, Teams, remote desktop access, and any cloud apps your team depends on should be verified ahead of time.
• Making sure employees take home essential equipment, like laptops, chargers, or headsets, so they can work securely from home if needed.

Even if you don’t expect long-term issues, having a basic remote setup in place can give your team flexibility and peace of mind. If your organization uses shared workstations or centralized software, we can assist with virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or other secure access options tailored to your environment.

Secure Your Network and Data

Storms don’t just impact power; they can also affect your network and cybersecurity posture. When systems reboot after a storm, previously stable devices may behave unpredictably.

Take these steps to avoid network chaos:

• Document current network settings and configurations before shutdown. This helps us or your in-house team restore systems accurately.
• Disable automatic updates temporarily if your systems might reboot during unstable conditions. Unexpected patching during recovery can cause delays or misconfigurations.
• Ensure your firewall and security settings are preserved during shutdown. If you need help exporting configurations, reach out before the outage.

Data security shouldn’t be left to chance. We recommend verifying all mission-critical systems are backed up to a secure, offsite location—not just locally. Ask us if you’re unsure whether your cloud sync counts as a true backup.

After the Storm: Restart Safely

Once the storm has passed and power is stable:

• Plug equipment back in gradually. Avoid turning on everything at once.
• Check that backup systems ran successfully and data is intact.
• Watch for signs of hardware stress or network issues. If something feels off, call us before restarting critical systems.
• If your server was left unplugged, remember to re-enable auto-start settings if applicable after power has stabilized.

We recommend scheduling a quick system health check with us after a major weather event. We’ll confirm everything’s back to normal and catch small issues before they become bigger problems.

We’re Here if You Need Us

Keystone is closely monitoring conditions and remains available to support you before, during, and after the storm. Whether it’s verifying backups, adjusting remote access, or walking you through a safe restart, we’re only a call or email away.

Proactive preparation now can prevent hours (or days) of lost productivity later. Let’s get ahead of it together.

At Keystone, we don’t just manage IT—we execute. We ensure smooth transitions, rock-solid security, and maximum efficiency so your business can thrive. Let us handle the complexity of IT while you stay focused on what matters most—growing your business.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how Keystone delivers results you can trust.

Common Questions

What if I’m not sure how to safely shut down my server?
Give us a call. We’ll walk you through the correct process or assist remotely to ensure a clean shutdown.

Is it enough to just turn off my PC?
No. Turning it off is a good start, but unplugging it helps protect against voltage spikes when power comes back.

Can you set up remote access on short notice?
Yes, but the sooner we know, the better. Even a quick call today can help us get your team ready in time.

Will my battery backup keep everything running?
Not for long. Battery backups are designed to give you time for a safe shutdown not to maintain full uptime during an extended outage.

How do I know if my backups are working?
We can verify this for you. If you’re unsure, reach out now so we can confirm your data is protected.

What if I need help after hours?
Our team is on standby and available for urgent requests. Just reach out through your usual support channel, and we’ll respond promptly.