Once again, hurricane season is upon us. Where does time go! I sure hope that there is no repeat of last hurricane season. Many of us are still repairing physical damages from Hurricane Ian!!

Hurricanes are accompanied by very high winds, lightning, power and water outages and floods. If you have been in the middle of one, it can feel like the slow approaching of an apocalypse! You do get notice that a hurricane is approaching. There are several hours to several days of the storm itself. And then the aftermath and clean up. 

These are 10 tips to prepare your computers, devices, homes and yourself to survive a hurricane:
1. Unplug your computer, printer and devices from power to protect them from power surges. NOTE: do NOT just turn off your surge protector; unplug it from the wall.
2. Move your computer, printer and devices off the floor to a table top away from windows and cover with plastic. This protects them from water damage.
3. Gather your smart phone, tablet and power cords to take with you to shelter. This gives you connection to news and your family.
4. Protect your house from broken windows. Put up your hurricane shutter window protection and close blinds and draperies.
5. Prevent dangerous flying objects. Move small objects and potted plants inside your house, garage or utility shed.
6. Plan to shelter.  Have a plan for a safe place to shelter in case of an intense storm (Category 3 or greater).
7. Water – In case of water outages, fill your bathtub with water to flush toilets with. Buy a case of bottled water to stay hydrated. When water is turned back on, be prepared for a “boil water notice” for a few days.
8. Power – Report power outages to your power company so they can triage restoring power, and that important air conditioning. If you use a generator, be sure it is away from your house. When power is restored, you may reconnect your computer, printer and devices.
9. Food – Purchase some flip top cans of tuna to have something to eat when there is no power. Be prepared to discard food in your fridge and freezer if the power is off for more than two days.
10. 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. 

I pray that we have one of those years when hurricanes by-pass us. If one is predicted, it is better to be safe by following these tips.

I am committed to protect 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, or if you need computer and internet help. Be well. 

By Linda Lindquist,  July 24, 2023
https://www.computerandinternethelp.com/contact-us 

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