Best Practices: Natural Disaster Readiness for Data Centers

Best Practices to Ensure Data Center Continuity:

• Ensure all back-up generator maintenance is fully up to date including:
  • Oil changes
  • Batteries
  • Hoses and belts
• Regularly exercise the generators and load banks
• Have a fuel program contract that prioritizes your fuel delivery over non-priority sites along with pre-scheduled, regular deliveries
  
  • Regular fuel testing and tank assessments should be included
• Stay alert to any potential natural disasters and coordinate with risk experts to ensure that your emergency response plan is up to date and accounts for all critical issues
  
  • N+1 or higher data redundancy
  • Data migration
  • Rental needs and hook-up plan
  • Standby technicians
• Maintain a rapid response plan: taking immediate action on your emergency response plan is critical. Rental needs, fuel and skilled labor resources become difficult to source during a crisis.
• For assets located in the highest risk flood zones, include materials and an action plan for erectable dams to encircle a data center campus.
• For assets located in the highest risk wildfire zones, maintain a defensible perimeter around the facility. Identify adjacent parcels of high risk, such as high density of dry brush, and coordinate with property owners and local government adjacencies to reduce risk.