EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS / HURRICANE SEASON:

    Every year, South Florida faces the reality of ‘Hurricane Season’, which usually runs from June through November.  At this time, we can certainly expect strong storms and heavy rain to happen, as well as the occasional hurricane. 

   Computer equipment and networks are especially sensitive to these wild weather conditions, and an ounce of prevention can certainly go a long ways!

   Preparedness means that we have followed beforehand a number of steps to protect ourselves, our property, our business and the goods or information that others have entrusted us with. A few tips for preparedness follow.

Always:

· Backup/data. Back up critical data daily or weekly, but especially right before storm season.
· Backup/power. Make sure that your electronic equipment includes a back-up battery or capacitator.
· Protect. Make sure that the electric wiring in your location is properly grounded and that all voltage-sensitive equipment is grounded. Use products that protect against the effects of storms and lightning (surge suppressors, voltage regulators, etc.).

Early before the storm:

· Backup/hard drive. Make two copies of your computer’s hard drive and store them in two separate locations.

· Copy setup. Print a copy of the setup information for your computer (CMOS settings), including hard drive parameters.

· Check batteries. Make sure the backup batteries in your cell phone and computer are charged.

· Unplug. Unplug or disconnect all phone lines and network cables.

· Wrap up & store. Find a place where you can store your hardware and software away from windows. Wrap computers, monitors and printers in heavy plastic and set them above the ground.

After the storm:

Before reconnecting, plugging equipment and rebooting, wait several hours after power is restored and make sure everything is dry and safe.

Be patient. You might have to reboot several times to get your system going, especially if it has been off for a week or more.