Information Technology Services

Information Technology Services

631.923-1595
G.R. Reid Consulting Services, LLC
 

 

 

Take Every Precaution Prior To A Storm:
Secure Your Computer Equipment

The following are some precautionary measures that you may want to consider to safeguard your computer equipment.

The most damaging two things that can happen in a major storm are electrical damage and water damage.

Even though we all do our best to put protections in place, such as Uninterruptible Power Supplies and data backup routines, there is always the chance – especially in a major storm – that those protections can be circumvented or overrun.

In preparation for extended power outages and\or interruptions, you may want to consider the following steps:

1) Make sure to take your backup tape or hard drive with you when you leave the office. If you are using an off-site backup service, such as Mozy or Carbonite, double check to make sure it has run successfully.

2) Power down or turn off all computers, servers and electronic equipment such as routers, cable modems, printers and network switches.  Start with the workstations, then the server, and finally all other equipment.  The most damage to data occurs when a computer shuts off unexpectedly which can cause data loss or corruption.  An Uninterruptible Power Supply (such as an APC UPS) is designed to protect against power surges and spikes and short term power loss.  However, if the outage lasts longer than a few minutes, the battery will be exhausted and the equipment will still shut off, increasing the risk of data loss.

3) To protect from lightning and\or major power spikes, such as from trees falling on power lines, you may want to take the added precaution of physically disconnecting all wires from the back of your equipment.  Even though you may have surge protectors, if the spike is large enough, it can still find its way through the wires.  For example, if there is an unprotected wire connected to the internet or phone system, the power spike can actually travel through ANY connected wire, such as a network cable, and damage the internal components of the system.
4) If you are in a location that is prone to flooding, after you have physically disconnected your computer or server, move it off the floor and onto a higher location or take it off the premises.

The level of precaution you decide to take will surely depend on the storm severity in your area and your own business continuity needs, but we want to communicate the options so that everyone is prepared.

Even with a good data backup, waiting for replacement parts and equipment can cause days or weeks of lost business productivity.  We have found that a few hours of precautionary system downtime can save time piecing things back together afterwards.

Should you decide to shut everything down, when you power everything back up do so in the reverse order that you powered it down.  Start with the miscellaneous equipment (internet devices, printers, etc), then the server, then the workstations.

We strongly advise that if you are not using G.R. Reid for I/T services that you contact your own I/T support company for their approval and recommendations before following these steps.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Health Benefit Services

: : Julie Seiden, Managing Director,
Health Benefits Services | 

631.923.1595 ext. 310

G.R. Reid Consulting Services, LLC




Have You Considered Full-Replacement CDHP?


The Corporate Executive Board, an advisory and research company, and HighRoads, a compliance and health care costs services provider, assembled 2011 data from almost 11,000 medical plan design and the medical plan rates of over 30 million Americans. The data showed that an average of $187 dollars per year in out-of-pocket expenses was saved when an employee used a high-deductible consumer-driven health plan, or CDHP. The savings for families averaged $204. However, when compared to health maintenance organization (HMO) plans and traditional preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, CDHP premium and out-of-pocket savings might be too little, as well as the deductible being too high, to spur employees to make the change. Even with substantial communications related to high-deductible CDHPs, PPOs are still the most widely offered and popular plans, representing 39% of employer plans. HMOs represented 27% of U.S. employer plans and CDHPs linked to health savings accounts (HSAs) represented 17%. Other data included:
• Traditional, non-high-deductible plan premiums averaged $132.11, exclusive provider organization (EPO) plans averaged almost $112, HMO premiums averaged almost $133, and PPO premiums averaged almost $150 (employee-only/per month).
• At an average premium of almost $63 (employee-only/per month,) CDHPs were significantly lower than other plans.
• When compared to PPOs, CDHP plans were accompanied by lower yearly out-of-pocket costs.
• For CDHPs, the average yearly out-of-pocket cost was $2,128 for individuals and $5,656 for families. For PPOs, the average yearly out-of-pocket cost was $2,315 for individuals and $5,860 for families.
• The average in-network co-pays with non-CDHP plans were $103 per emergency room visit, $31 per specialist visit, and $19 per primary care provider visit.
By effectively educating employees about potential cost savings from CDHPs, employers can offer employees more control and flexibility related to health care decisions and help them decrease their out-of-pocket yearly expenses.

Implementation Tips For Shifting to Full-Replacement CDHP
Some businesses are offering one or more CDHPs since just encouraging employee enrollment might not be sufficient to create the enrollment numbers necessary for significant cost reduction. Towers Watson/National Business Group on Health found that eight percent of employers are currently offering full-replacement CDHPs to some portion of their workforce. Most experts recommend employers consider several factors before making such a commitment. For example, employers should consider their low-income workers - do they have families and will they need an employer contribution to a HRA or HSA to ensure they're protected from exorbitant out-of-pocket costs? Employers should also assess and weigh the challenges that will come from full-replacement CDHP against the costs of crafting a plan to drive voluntary participation rates.

Should a full-replacement CDHP be the best option, here are a few suggestions:
• Use focus groups to test full-replacement CDHP. Listen to the employees. Find out what they might need to utilize the plan. Such feedback can be helpful as communications are drafted.
• Don't forget the big picture. Employers need to clearly and effectively explain how the change is connected to the business's overall benefits strategy. For example, is there a wellness factor that could be interlinked to the full-replacement CDHP? Employees also need to see how the change plays into their personal big picture, such as from being shown the strong connection between health care decisions and retirement decisions and the benefit of health care expense saving with a tax-advantaged HSA.
• Address the change head-on and keep stakeholders involved in the process. If rumors get started before an announcement is made to employees, it can create confusion and be detrimental to employee support. A news release, whether it be from a media relations firm or internally through HR, should be sent to explain the what and why of the change. Be sure to keep managers; supervisors; and, if applicable, union officials in the loop.
• Make any choice among CDHPs meaningful. Also, be sure that the options are differentiated thoroughly so that employees can clearly determine which option is best for their needs and be confident in the their final decision.
• Use a combination of print and news media to reach all the workforce generations. Keep in mind that Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and other online portals are freshly-streamed, inexpensive media portals to engage employees.
• Communicate early and frequently, and don't forget to actually listen and respond. Don't be surprised by an array of employee reactions. Some employees might be open to CDHP, while others might be fearful or angry. Anticipate all the reactions. Give employees a portal, such a call center line, to vent, but also give them sufficient information and time to eventually embrace the change. Communication should begin at least three months before annual enrollment and include CDHP tip sheets and user guides.
• Relating is key. Young, single workers aren't going to plan the same way a middle-age parent or older individual plans. Testimonials within communications can help employers reach their multi-demographic workforce.
• Whether using print or other media to communicate employee benefits, ensure it's done year-round to keep the stream of information fresh and up-to-date.

Personal Insurance Services

: : Neal B. Patel, Managing Director,
Personal Insurance Services | G.R. Reid Agency, LLC
631.923.1595 ext. 303

 

 

Hurricane Preparedness:
Have a Plan in Place

In the United States, hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs until November 30th  each year.  It is important to have a thorough storm emergency plan in place if you live in an area prone to hurricanes.  It is also imperative that you know your local evacuation routes prior to the issuing of a "Hurricane Watch" or a "Hurricane Warning." Radio and television networks will keep you updated with the latest information for your area. There are different meanings to the terms "Hurricane Watch" and "Hurricane Warning."  If a "Hurricane Watch" is issued for your area, weather conditions are favorable to produce a hurricane within 36 hours.  When a "Hurricane Watch" has been announced preparations that require extra time, such as securing a boat or evacuating an island, should be initiated. A "Hurricane Warning" is a more serious notification.  If a "Hurricane Warning" has been issued, sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours.  You should now be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding where you will be safest during the storm.  

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, do not plan on riding the storm out at home.

Other Items to Consider Before a Hurricane

• Purchase materials to board up windows.
• Store any outdoor objects that could blow away.
• Find a safe place for your pet.  Your veterinarian or local humane society can provide you with information on preparing your pets for an emergency.
• Stock up on supplies and prepare a survival kit for your home and car.  Items to include are:  a first-aid kit; canned food and bottled water, enough for at least 3 to 7 days per person; toiletries; blankets and pillows; a battery-operated radio and flashlight; some protective clothing and any special items for infants or elderly. 
• Store important documents in waterproof containers or bags.
• Withdraw some cash. Banks and businesses can be closed for a period of time following a hurricane.
• Fill up your car's fuel tank.

Be Safe As the Hurricane Approaches

• It is safer to stay indoors and away from windows, as strong winds will blow items around.
• If you live in a mobile home, seek temporary refuge in a shelter.
• If your home is in a flood prone or low-lying area, move to higher ground or go to a shelter.
• If a mandatory evacuation has been issued, leave immediately.

After The Hurricane

• Exercise caution when checking for injured or trapped people.
• Beware of flooding which is typical after a hurricane, and do not attempt to drive into floodwaters.
• Avoid standing water.  It may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Do not drink tap water until it has been cleared to do so. 

While hurricanes are potentially dangerous and life threatening, preparedness is crucial to weathering the storm safely.