Test your systems before the next blackout

You're ready for the next outage and you have it all planned, or so you think. Then the outage occurs, and you forgot one thing: You didn't check your backup engine generator.

Every IT manager must have a plan for an emergency that works if an outage lasts for hours or for minutes. You have to be sure your system is ready for anything and you have to be certain your backup system works, according to a Forbes article.

If you are a 24/7 operation, you should act like one. Here's a cheat sheet of what could go wrong in any blackout:

• Failure to have a key to the correct position.
• Programming logic failure.
• Wiring error.
• Mechanical linkage failure.

It's better to deal with these problems in the light of day instead of in darkness.

For more on dealing with power emergencies:
- check out this Forbes.com article

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