Make Sure You're Prepared for Major Storms!

Listen to Storm Warnings and Take Precautions


I have seen too many people data and equipment due to a lack of preparation... so I am once again reminding everyone to be proactive. The storms that occurred this past week resulted in some people losing power supplies or hard drives. In most of these recent cases, the person had not taken the proper precautions and did not have a UPS protecting their computer. To recap some basic points:

PREPARE YOUR TECHNOLOGY:

Be sure you have a full backup of all your important data (preferably both on and off-site).

If you have a UPS battery (Uninterruptible Power Supplies with surge protection) be sure the unit is connected and the auto shutdown software is installed and working.

If you do not have a UPS battery on each device, we recommend shutting down your PC's and servers if you expect, or are prone to power outages. A sudden loss of power will damage computer equipment. At the very least be sure you have surge protectors if you do not have UPS units.

We advise you to unplug your PC if you do not have a proper UPS or surge protector.

If you’re in a flood prone area, make sure to keep all your computers and hardware off the floors.

PREPARE YOUR HOME & OFFICE:

 

 

Enable remote access if you will need to access data from home (and if you have the aforementioned UPS units in place).

Take in or secure all outdoor property (furniture, gas grills, sheds, outside storage tanks).

Ensure proper working condition for emergency equipment, such as flashlights and battery powered radio and first aid kits.

Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

Stock up on non-perishable foods, first aid supplies, and drinking water.

Make a plan for you and your family pets if you need to evacuate.

Have an out of state friend as a family contact, so that all your family members have a single point of contact.

Check your battery backups on sump pumps, alarm systems, etc.

Move all contents to higher floors if it looks like flooding is imminent (especially items of high or unusual value and vital records).

**If you have a server and multiple PC's, please contact Armando and discuss if this is the best way to prepare for your site**

Office number: (516) 208-4161

After the Storm (general procedures)

·         Use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles or open flames indoors.

·         When cutting up fallen trees, use caution, especially if you use a chain saw. Serious injuries can occur with these powerful machines, they may snap or break.

·         Assess damage to home and contents. Photograph all damage.

·         Make temporary repairs to protect the building and contents.

·         Remove and discard all porous organic materials that have become visibly wet or contaminated.

·         When using a generator, be sure that the main circuit breaker is off and locked out prior to starting the generator.