If you’ve run a business in Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Jacksonville or anywhere along the Carolina coast, you already know: hurricane season isn’t just about stocking up on water and batteries. It’s about protecting your business—especially your technology.
Power outages, internet disruptions, and data loss can hit small businesses hard. But with the right IT support and a proactive plan, you can keep your operations running no matter what the weather throws your way.
What’s the best way for a small business in Wilmington, NC to protect their IT during storm season?
Answer: Use offsite backups, surge protection, and secure remote access. Partnering with a local managed IT provider like Earney IT ensures fast recovery after outages.
Why Summer Storms = IT Risk
Storms don’t just knock down trees—they knock out servers, damage equipment, and cut off access to critical files. For small businesses, the impact can be more than just frustrating—it can be expensive:
- Lost productivity if staff can’t access systems or work remotely
- Data loss from power surges or server crashes
- Security vulnerabilities during recovery periods
- Downtime that damages customer trust
5 IT Prep Steps for Storm Season in Coastal NC
Here’s what Earney IT recommends for every small business in Wilmington, Jacksonville, and nearby areas:
1. Review Your Backup Strategy
- Offsite cloud backups that run daily or in real time
Local servers are vulnerable during storms, but cloud backups ensure your data stays safe and accessible—even if your office isn’t. Real-time syncing minimizes the chance of losing work in progress. - Image-based backups that can restore your entire system
These backups go beyond files—they capture your entire system setup. That means you can get back to work quickly without reinstalling software or reconfiguring devices. - Testing your restore process before the storm hits
Backups only help if they work. A quick test gives peace of mind and confirms you can recover quickly when it matters most.
Learn more about our data protection services
2. Invest in Surge Protection + Battery Backup
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
A UPS provides temporary battery power to safely shut down your devices or keep things running during short outages. This helps prevent file corruption and equipment damage. - Surge protectors with monitoring
Power surges can fry sensitive electronics. Surge protectors with built-in diagnostics can alert you when it’s time to replace aging hardware. - Auto-shutdown software for servers
This software safely powers down your server during an outage, reducing the risk of data loss and physical hardware damage.
3. Enable Remote Access (the Right Way)
- Make sure they have secure VPN access
A virtual private network encrypts data and protects remote logins. It’s essential for keeping client information safe while working off-site. - Use cloud-based tools for file sharing and communication
Tools like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace keep your team connected. Even if your office is offline, work can continue without skipping a beat. - Confirm everyone knows the plan before a storm is coming
Review remote work procedures in advance so your team isn’t scrambling to connect when the power goes out.
Our managed IT services can help
4. Document an IT Emergency Plan
- Who to contact for tech issues
Make sure everyone knows how to reach your internal or external IT support team quickly in case of system problems. - Where backups are stored
Include backup locations (local and cloud) and instructions for access. Quick access can mean faster recovery. - Remote login instructions
List the VPN software or secure portals your team should use, along with links and step-by-step login steps. - Phone/email protocols if office systems are down
Decide how your team will communicate—like switching to mobile phones or using chat apps—if landlines or email go offline.
Need help building one? We can walk you through it.
5. Schedule a Pre-Season IT Review
- Review your current backup and disaster recovery setup
We’ll assess how fast you can bounce back from an outage—and help you close any gaps in your plan. - Evaluate server and network protections
This includes checking for aging equipment, power protection, and physical vulnerabilities like water exposure. - Offer advice for remote work continuity
Whether it’s better collaboration tools or upgraded VPN access, we’ll help you build a storm-proof workflow.
Schedule a free risk assessment before the first hurricane warning hits.
Coastal NC Businesses: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Summer storms are unpredictable—but your IT strategy shouldn’t be. Whether you’re in downtown Wilmington, over in Leland, or serving clients in Hampstead and Jacksonville, we’ve got your back.
Let Earney IT help you weather any storm.
✅ Contact us today for a free evaluation
