Disaster Planning and Recovery

Resources to help you keep disasters from becoming disastrous

In the wake of a disaster — whether typical disk failure or catastrophic flood — it can be difficult to know where to begin the recovery process. With so many other pressing concerns, how should you prioritize IT recovery? What steps need to be taken immediately, and which can wait?

In this toolkit, you'll find resources to help you plan ahead so that you can limit the damage from a disaster; a comprehensive, downloadable guide to recovery; and information about tools to help keep your nonprofit's data safe should the unthinkable happen.

We have setup the toolkit into three sections — Plan, Mitigate, and Recover — so you can take a step-by-step approach to disaster planning and recovery.

Plan Your Response Early

In the planning phase, your organization should focus on documenting critical information necessary for recovery and developing procedures to help ensure an efficient and thorough recovery.

Backing Up Your Data
Regular backups are vital insurance against a data-loss catastrophe, yet many organizations learn this lesson the hard way. We'll show you tools and strategies for safeguarding your nonprofit's hard-to-replace information.

Keep Your Data Safe with Online Backup Services
Online backup services automate the uploading of selected files to a remote computer and offer the ability to restore files using your Internet connection. Find out what to consider when choosing a provider.

The No-Excuses Guide to Automated Online Backup
Still not sure about online backups? We'll walk you through the setup for EVault Small Business Edition to help you get a sense of how such a process works and provide additional tips for choosing provider.

Technology Planning for Civil Emergencies
Depending on the type of disaster and the availability of resources, your organization may find itself acting as a de facto emergency service assisting victims with first aid, transport, or counseling. Here, we show you ways to prepare your organization to deal with the unthinkable.

Virtual Community Topic: Do You Use an Automated Online Backup Service?
Find out which backup services other nonprofits recommend and ask your own questions.

Hardware Topic: How Long Do Backup Tapes Last?
TechSoup forum experts answer one reader's question about the durability of tapes and offer strategies to keep them running.