Storm Preparedness

Are you ready for the storm?

Preparing for a storm ahead of time will be a huge relief to you when the inevitable happens. A little prevention can make the difference between having usable technology equipment and a pile of water-soaked junk. Working computer equipment will be a real salvation in recording experiences, writing claim letters, and communicating after a storm. Most damage to computer hardware and software is from rain and wind. Broken doors and windows allow wind, rain and debris through buildings. Take a look here in case of an urgent situation:

Individual Computers

  1. Turn off all computers
  2. Unplug all cords/cables from computer and place the computer on the desk
  3. Unplug the battery backup or surge protector *if applicable* from the wall and place battery backup on the desk as well.

Infrastructure

  1. Turn off all copiers, scanners, and other peripheral devices
  2. Unplug and backup or surge protector that peripheral devices are plugged into, and place in an elevated location

Server Room (you will need to work directly with B2 regarding this)

  1. Turn off all servers (B2 can do this remotely at the end of a work day or while preparing for severe weather)
  2. Turn off battery backups in server rack
  3. Unplug batter backups and/or surge protectors from wall and place cords on top of the server rack.
  4. Unplug the cable from the cable modem (internet modem)

Backup and Secure Data Files

Your data files are valued information assets to your business. If you have access to a network File Server, you must copy critical information files to the server. Suppose you don’t have access to a file server or network, backup essential files to USB memory keys. Be sure to carefully label or note the contents of the jam and test it to make sure the contents can be reread. The backup copy should be stored in an alternate, secure location if your office or storage location sustains extensive damage. If you use a laptop, be prepared to take the system home or to a shelter with you; unless you have already contacted us to set up your storm preparation plan.

Computer and Electronic Storage

Clear space in your office/area that will allow you to move computers away from windows and up off of the floor; preferably towards the center of a room or in a closet away from windows and free from shelving. It would be beneficial for you to take some notes or drawings to your self about where things are connected to your computer. Eg. printer, monitor, power, network, keyboard and mouse. Your computer should be shut down properly and unplugged from the wall outlet. Do the same for the monitor and all peripherals such as printers, scanners, and speakers. Secure any notes you made concerning connections to the computer or elsewhere for future reference. The equipment should be securely supported at least two feet from the floor and covered with plastic bags or sheeting. Do not cover equipment that is plugged in or powered on.

Phone Service

Lastly, make sure your phones are properly forwarded to a number where you can be reached (if so desired) and your phone (just like your computer equipment) unplugged and stored securely. If you are using B2 Technology Solutions’ phone service, contact B2’s Help Desk for forwarding, auto-attendant and voicemail options, or log into your phone system’s web interface.

Recovery After the Storm

The following steps should be taken to resume normal computer operations after returning to work.

Take note of the condition of the computer equipment. If it is visibly damaged or appears to be wet, do not plug the equipment in or turn it on.

  1. Look to verify electrical integrity. Computer equipment should not be turned on if electrical power is unstable.
  2. Find out if there is network connectivity. Central services such as the internet, network file servers, or email servers may not be available.
  3. Return the computer to its original location and reattach all peripherals. Plug in all power cords and turn the computer on. Take note of error messages and write them down, then notify B2’s Help Desk.
  4. Contact B2’s Help Desk if you need anything further.

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