Emergency planning for continuous operations

Planning for emergencies ensures that your data center continues to operate if a power outage occurs.

If a power outage occurs, continued operation depends on information that is stored on cards, tapes, or disks, and the equipment that is used to process the information that is available immediately. Arrangements must be made for emergency use of other equipment and transportation of personnel, data, and supplies to a temporary location. Arrangements must also be made to ensure the continuous operation of environment equipment, such as air conditioning. Duplicate or master records and programming data must be maintained in a remote area, from which the necessary information can be taken to resume operation.

Precautions and personnel training

Further plans must include training of personnel to act in an emergency situation.

  • Sound alarm signals for fire detection and for other abnormal conditions to familiarize personnel with the alarm.
  • Monitor the computer room, air conditioning equipment room, and electrical and data storage room at all times.
  • Inspect steam pipes and water pipes above the false ceiling to guard against possible damage due to accidental breakage, leakage, or condensation.
  • Locate emergency exit doors in the computer area. The number of doors depends on the size and location of the area. Train personnel in the following emergency measures:
    • Shutting off all electrical power
    • Shutting off the air conditioning system
    • Shutting off the chilled water to the information technology equipment
    • Calling the fire company
    • Handling fire extinguishers in the approved manner
    • Operating a small-diameter fire hose
    • Evacuating records
    • Evacuating personnel
    • Administering first aid

Lightning protection for communication wiring

Be sure to install lightning protection devices to protect communication wiring and equipment from surges and transients that are induced into the communication wiring. In any area subject to lightning, surge suppressors must be installed at each end of every outdoor cable installation, whether installed above the ground (aerial) or buried below the ground.

Information about lightning surge suppressors for communication wiring and recommended methods for outdoor communication cables can be found in the information technology product's physical planning documentation.