“El Niño/La Niña-Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, is a quasi-periodic climate pattern that occurs across the tropical Pacific Ocean on average every five years, but over a period which varies from three to seven years.”-Wikipedia
By all accounts it could be a tough winter. Winters like this bring with them the usual failures in infrastructure, power spikes, surges, and outages, dead phone lines, etc. Now is the time to start thinking about what you are going do if (insert disruption here)?
Things to check:
Backup batteries, usually inside a telephone system or attached UPS usually are only good for 3-5 years. After that expect short run times, no run time, or even gas leaks from sealed lead acid batteries.
Things to do:
Get remote call forwarding on your business telephone lines. This will provide business continuity in the event your facility is without power or telephone lines for an extended period of time. Keep a copy of the instructions off-site or on your person in the event your facility is inaccessible.
Get a generator so you can keep your business running at normal or reduce capacity if your facility is without power for an extended period of time. This will allow you to keep operating your telephone system, computers, servers, etc. even after all your backup batteries are used up. Don’t forget the extension cords you’ll need to hook everything up and reach a portable generator outside. Never run a portable generator inside!
Have some flashlights or battery powered portable lights on hand. Even if you have windows that let daylight in you will still need them for restrooms.
A little attention to these items now will go a long way to reducing the negative impact of a service outage.
For additional assistance, contact us at 425.481.5493 or service@soundtel.com.
Seattle area top provider of telecommunication since 1984 