Weather, Grid, Cyber: Why Planning Ahead Matters in Texas
If you operate a business in Texas, you already know the risks: hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, tornadoes in the north, sudden winter storms, power grid failures, and now, a rising wave of cybersecurity threats. One disruption can stall operations, damage your reputation, or shut your doors for good.
That’s why business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR) aren’t just smart. They’re necessary.
What’s the Difference?
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Business Continuity Planning helps you keep operations running during a disruption.
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Disaster Recovery focuses on how you’ll restore systems and data afterward.
Together, they protect your people, your clients, and your bottom line.
Texas-Specific Risks That Demand a Plan
From Austin to Dallas to San Antonio, Texas businesses face a unique blend of risks:
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Natural disasters: floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes
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Cyberattacks: ransomware, supply chain compromise, data theft
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Infrastructure failures: energy grid outages, internet disruptions
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Vendor delays: especially in construction and manufacturing sectors
And with 2025 regulations requiring more robust continuity planning, there’s no better time to get started.
What to Include in Your Continuity & Recovery Strategy
1. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
Identify what matters most. What functions must stay online no matter what? How long can your systems or vendors be down before there’s serious impact?
🛠 Try this: Texas BIA Template (UT)
2. Document Clear Procedures
List step-by-step protocols for responding to different scenarios, from hurricanes to data breaches. Include contact info for key team members, alternate work sites, and communication methods.
3. Prioritize Cybersecurity Integration
Cyber threats often hit without warning. Your recovery plan should include:
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Cloud and offsite backups
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Incident response templates (Texas DIR Redbook)
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Employee training on phishing and remote access
Learn more: Texas Cyber Framework
4. Set Communication Roles
Decide now: Who contacts employees? Who informs vendors and clients? Use pre-written templates for speed and clarity.
5. Train and Test Regularly
Run a table-top drill for both a natural disaster and a cyber incident. Update your plan after any changes in staff, services, or systems.
Resources for Texas Businesses
Here are trusted, no-cost tools to help you build or refine your plan:
A Local Advocate Can Help You Do It Right
At Watkins Insurance Group, we work with Texas businesses every day to help them build coverage and recovery strategies that actually fit their operations. Whether you’re a contractor in Austin or a tech startup in Dallas, your risks and your plan should reflect your business.
We’re happy to walk you through coverage options, connect you to trusted resources, and help you put your plan into action.
Need a second opinion on your disaster plan or want help starting from scratch?
Contact Watkins Insurance Group today. We’ll help you protect what you’ve worked hard to build
