I hate to even say it, but here we are again – hurricane season…and as we prepare our homes and protect our loved ones by stocking up in advance on items such as plenty of water, flashlight batteries, non-perishables for our favorite humans and pets, as well as filling up those gas cans and stowing any outdoor items which have the potential to become projectiles during a hurricane or tropical storm; we also need to keep in mind that our computers and other electronics are extremely vulnerable if a hurricane or strong storm happens to hit.
Here are some vital things to do to prepare for bad incoming weather:
- One of the most important things in the case of potentially dangerous weather is maintaining access to safety and the outside world. That being said, don’t forget to make charging up your electronic devices, including your phone, computer, laptop and iPads (and your Kindle to keep yourself occupied) part of your hurricane preparations.
- You also want to keep all your data safe, so back it up and store the copy in a safe place.
- As the storm draws near, you should completely shut down your computer and all your peripherals. Power surges can take place once power is restored, so it is also very important to disconnect all electronics from their power source…meaning nothing should be plugged in any outlets.
- It’s also a good idea to stow all electronics away from windows and place them somewhere that is not susceptible to flooding. Covering your electronics with something waterproof, such as a tarp or trash bag, isn’t a bad idea either.
- One more word to the wise…when the storm blows over, be careful when you power up, starting with your peripherals first just to be safe.