How to Be Prepared for the Top Four Data Center Disasters

Loss of data is an unacceptable circumstance whether you run an enterprise data center or a small computer room. Our data is now protected by state-of-the-art technology, high-tech equipment, modern facilities and 24×7 monitoring. Losing data seems unthinkable. Unfortunately, natural disasters can create data center disasters.

But the fact remains that disaster does strike – Hurricane Sandy gave data center managers many sleepless nights. So, what are the some of the worst possible disasters that can strike a data center and how can you prepare for them?

Fire

The reason fire is at the top is because its probability is the highest and the results are devastating. A fire at a data center can completely destroy data, and even bring the infrastructure to the ground.

But the good thing is that it can be easily dealt with if fire prevention is incorporated at the planning stage itself. Smoke and heat detectors, passive systems like fire walls, fire retardant cables and material, as well as automated fire suppressant systems that include alarms are vital.

Flood

A well-planned structure will be placed on higher ground, to prevent the possibilities of a flood affecting the data. In addition to this, some facilities raise data racks and place them on platforms or raised floor. Raised flooring can be as much as 10 feet in geographic areas vulnerable to flooding.

Earthquake

The perfect means of preparing for an earthquake is by having the data center away from fault lines and outside earthquake zones. Along with geographic selection, it pays to be prepared. Racks can be placed on structures that can move independently of the building. The external structure and foundation of the building can be even designed based on earthquake resistant principles,

Tornado / Hurricane

Tornadoes and hurricanes blast buildings with immense force, causing structural failures and power outages. If the data center is located in a tornado prone area, it certainly pays to ‘harden’ a building. This is done during the construction stage, with a series of methods and technologies used to ensure the structure remains unmoved when nature attacks at full force. The best buildings are F5 Tornado resistant, capable of withstanding winds of 300 mph. 

Remember, if your data is to be fully protected, the data center must be designed to uncompromising standards. At Lifeline Data Centers, we are fully prepared to handle whatever the elements may throw at us. Interested in more information? Contact us.

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.