Hi everybody. If you live anywhere near the Atlantic, Gulf or Pacific coastlines you know what the wrath of Mother Nature can do especially during the summer hurricane season. In this column we are going to give you some tips on what you need to do in case the unthinkable tropical system heads your way.
Every year on June 1, the Atlantic hurricane season starts and every season we have a set of numbers that predicts the approximate number of storms that will form. Although just a guideline, these numbers are often not accurate and can give us a false sense of safety. As a result, many people make no preparations and have no plan if a storm should threaten. This is truly a very dangerous approach. Not only do you have to have a plan for your home and family, but there are things you can do to help minimize damage to your computers and other electronics as well.
First, we will talk about things you should do or plan for before a storm is approaching. Firstly, you need to have a UPS or a battery backup attached to your computer. This will help eliminate damage to the system should the power abruptly be shut off. Next, look at the location of your computer tower and if you have it located directly on the floor, you may want to find a higher location for it or you may want to prop it up with blocks or bricks. Remember that tropical systems bring tremendous amounts of rain and if your house should flood, you want to be sure your electronics are located up high and off the floor. Another thing you will need to purchase are tarps. In the event of a bad storm, your roof may become comprised and water may enter the house through the ceiling. Having plenty of tarps can be the saving grace that might spare your delicate electronics.
Although I preach about backing up in many of the articles I write, I am going to say it again. Be sure you have a full backup of your system! Before a storm approaches, backup your PC on an external media and store that media in a safe location that is preferably off site. A bank safe deposit box would be a great place to start. In case you experience major structural damage, you will still have a copy of all your valuable information.
If you need to evacuate, it might be a good idea to pack up your tower or laptop and take it with you. It is not always necessary to take all the other parts like the keyboard and monitor since they can be readily replaced. If you pack up your tower, at least you know that your valuable data will remain safe. If all you own is a laptop, packing it up will be a piece of cake.
If you absolutely cannot bring your equipment with you, or you plan to ride out the storm, doing the following may help. First, bring all your electronics towards the center of a room away from windows. Be sure your computer is located high enough away from the floor. Cover your computers and other electronics as tightly as you can with the tarps that you purchased early in the season. This will help to protect you during the height of the storm. This step should be performed when a hurricane warning is issued for your location.
Summing it up, if you have a hurricane or tropical system heading your way, some simple common sense tips can really go a long way. Also remember that early preparation is imperative. Once a storm is coming, your local stores may be fresh out of the supplies you need most.
Author: Joe Zelenak, Staff Writer
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