Hurricane/ Disaster Preparations for Your Computer

1. Unplug equipment from the wall outlet, including computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, DSL/Cable modems, routers and switches, etc. Electrical surges, spikes and dips that often accompany a storm can destroy electronic devices even if they're connected to a power strip or UPS.

2. Also remember to unplug telephone wires from your modems, DSL modems/routers, fax machines, etc. Telephone wires also carry electrical current and surges or spikes can damage the equipment they are connected to.

3. Move PC's to the top of your desk or file cabinet. Most PC's are under a desk and could be susceptible to water damage if flooding occurs. If you move the PC, try to cover it with plastic or a tarp to prevent water damage if leaks occur from above.

4. When disconnecting all the wires and cables from your PC, be sure to document how they are connected to make it easier later on when reconnecting. Draw a diagram, mark the cables with masking tape or mailing labels or take a picture with your digital camera.

5. Perform a backup and take the backup tapes with you when you leave the office. Make sure you also take the tapes for your most recent "full" backup and all backups since then.

6. If you do not currently back up to tape, consider performing an online backup to a third-party storage provider such as eSilo, LiveVault or iBackUp immediately.

7. Copy your most critical files to DVD, CD or a USB thumb drive. Thumb drives are by far the fastest, easiest to use and most convenient; they can fit in your pocket or on your keychain. 512Mb thumb drives can be purchased at any office supply store or CompUSA for $100 or less.

8. Large database files, pictures or folders containing many documents may not fit on a 512Mb thumb drive. In this case consider a portable USB hard drive. Portable USB drives can duplicate your entire C: drive and be easily taken with you. Prices range from $150 to $400 depending on capacity and brand.

9. Take original software CD's with you! If a PC is rendered unusable, the original CD's will be needed to install your software programs onto a new machine.

10. Also be sure to take any "registration keys", license numbers and account names and passwords with you. Many people check the "remember me" box for programs and websites and no longer know their access information. Find it and take it with you.

11. Remember to synchronize your Palm Pilot or Pocket PC before leaving the office. Disconnect the cradle and power supply and take them with you. Also be sure to take power supplies for your notebook computer and cell phone.

12. If you absolutely feel you must take a desktop computer with you, do not take the keyboard, mouse or monitor. Do not worry about cables either; just unplug everything and take the CPU (as some people say, that big "thingy"under the desk) with you.. Everything else can be easily replaced.

13. Call forward your office phone to your cell phone; call forward your fax line to an "eFax" number that will convert faxes to Adobe PDF files and e-mail them to you.

14. Make sure you know how to retrieve e-mail via the web; most people know how to use Outlook or Outlook Express but if your office is not operational you may need to access e-mail via the web.

***ALWAYS REMEMBER TO BACK UP YOUR DATA!***

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