Hurricane season came earlier than normal and is expected to be more active this year. Early storms have crossed the Gulf of Mexico and targeted Mexico and Central America. Beryl, the first named hurricane became a category 4 in early July! We hope that no storms like Hurricane Ian visit Southwest Florida this year!!
Hurricanes produce very high winds, lightning, heavy rain, power and water outages, and floods. If you experienced one, it can feel like the slow approaching of an apocalypse! You do get notice that a hurricane is approaching, sometimes for hours or even days. And then, if you were unfortunate enough to be in its path, the aftermath and clean up begins.
7 tips to prepare your computers and devices to survive a hurricane:
- Back up your data to Cloud storage or an external hard drive.
- Use a surge protector for all electronic devices to safeguard against electrical spikes.
- Unplug your computer, printer, and devices from power to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored. NOTE: DO NOT just turn off your surge protector; unplug it from the wall.
- Elevate your devices to protect them from flooding. Move your computer, printer, and devices off the floor to a tabletop or high shelf, away from windows. Secure monitors and desktop computers from toppling over.
- Waterproof your devices by covering them with plastic or placing them in a sealed plastic bag to protect them from water damage.
- Stay informed by keeping your smartphone, tablet, and power cords with you. This gives you a connection to news, evacuation orders, weather reports, and your family.
- Prepare an emergency kit of spare batteries, flashlights, and portable chargers to use in case of a power failure.
8 tips to protect your home and yourself in the event of a hurricane:
- 1. Protect your house from broken windows. Put up your hurricane shutter window protection and close blinds and draperies.
- 2. Prevent dangerous flying objects. Move small objects and potted plants inside your house, garage, or utility shed.
- Have water on hand to drink and flush toilets in case of a water outage. TIP: fill your tub with water beforehand and use it to flush toilets,
- Report power outage to your power company so they can triage restoring power, and that important air conditioning.
- Know how to use your generator- keep it away from the house.
- Have non-perishable food on hand- stock up on tuna in flip-top cans and water. Be prepared to discard food from the refrigerator and freezer if power is off for more than two days.
- Keep important papers with you- passports, birth certificates, insurance documents,
- Plan to shelter. Have a plan for a safe place to shelter in case of an intense storm or evacuation order(Category 3 or greater).
4 tips to recover your sanity after the hurricane passes:
- Boil water for a few days – When water is turned back on, be prepared for a “boil water notice” for a few days.
- Reconnect your devices when the power is restored,
- Assess your property after the storm for downed trees, damaged roofs, lanais, carports, screens, and windows. Arrange for repairs, being aware that many people will be vying for repair services. Contact your insurance company or FEMA to assess damage and file a claim.
- Be thankful that you survived.
I pray that this year hurricanes by-pass us. If one is predicted, keep your computer, home and yourself protected by following these tips.
I am committed to protecting your computers at an affordable price. Thank you for trusting me to keep your computers healthy. Contact us at 239-567-0104 when it is time to renew your protection software, join our computer training, or if you need computer and internet help. Be well.
By Linda Lindquist, August 12, 2024
https://www.computerandinternethelp.com/contact-us
