Hurricane season is upon us, and although storms can be destructive and frightening, there is one thing you can do to help prepare yourself and your family: Ready your tech! From making sure your devices have enough battery life to keeping an emergency kit nearby, there are several ways to ensure your tech is ready for whatever mother nature might throw at you. Read on to find out 7 key steps you can take to make sure you, and your devices, are fully prepared for the upcoming hurricane season!

1. Technology Prep Tips for Hurricane Season

Develop a Backup Plan – Preparing tech for hurricane season starts with having a plan in place. Think about the types of digital assets you need to safeguard and how you will go about doing it. Develop scripts or projects that can be activated quickly when a storm is approaching. If you have an area that is prone to extreme weather conditions, consider storing sensitive files at an off-site location such as a cloud service. Storing all data backup devices in the same physical location can increase the risk of them being destroyed in a storm.

Stay Connected – As the storm draws nearer, you should be prepared to stay online. Invest in a portable power source, such as a generator or rechargeable power bank, to keep your devices charged. Update your cellular plan to accommodate any extra data that may be needed. In an emergency, you can count on the FCC’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge to ensure that communications providers waive late fees and provide low-cost internet services for qualifying customers.

• Develop a backup plan
• Store sensitive files at an off-site location
• Invest in a portable power source
• Update your cellular plan
• Utilize the FCC’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge

2. Gear Up and Get Ready for More Storms Ahead

Now that you’ve seen how messy and chaotic the stormy season can be – it’s time to ! It’s important to take the necessary steps to mitigate the potential damages that can occur before the next storm arrives. Here are some of the top ways to get your home in ship shape before the storm season hits:

• Check for any signs of damage that may require attention, such as loose roof tiles, loose gutters or any other signs of aging.
• Check the walls, both inside and out, for any signs of potential water damage or other issues that may need to be addressed.
• Inspect your windows and doors, and caulk, weatherstrip or repair any openings that could allow water to enter.
• Invest in emergency power sources like a generator, or a battery system for power outages.
• Make sure your outdoor areas are clear of debris and any other potential hazards.

You should also take the time to stock up on supplies before the storms come. Make sure your home is well-stocked with water, canned goods, flashlights, fresh batteries and other essentials that could come in handy in an emergency. Don’t forget to talk to your family about making an evacuation alert checklist in the event of a major storm, and remember to update emergency numbers in your smartphone contacts. With a few simple steps you can be ready for storms ahead.

3. Crucial Steps to Shield Your Tech During a Hurricane

When faced with a powerful hurricane, it’s important to take measures to protect your technology. By taking the right steps, you can prevent your vital tech equipment from getting damaged by extreme winds, torrential downpours, and lashing debris.

• Back Up Data: Start by backing up all important data and documents that are stored on your computer. Make sure to save a copy of the files in an external storage device, or in a secure online cloud. That way, you can quickly restore the data after the hurricane.
• Unplug Cables & Batteries: Gather up all the electrical cords and batteries that power your electronic devices, such as computers and phones. Unplug the devices from their power supply and take out their batteries. Doing this will prevent electrical surge from disabling or frying your tech.
• Inspect Area & Relocate Tech: Before the hurricane arrives, analyze your home and determine the safest place for your technology. Move it away from windows and exterior walls to protect it from strong winds, rain, and flying debris.

Don’t forget to keep all your tech items in their original cases or containers. This will provide extra protection as your electronic devices stay safe and secure during the hurricane.

4. Be Prepared and Stay Connected with the Right Tech Tools

It’s important to stay connected, especially when working remotely. To get organized and make the most of your time, it’s important to have the right technology and tech tools at your fingertips.

• Instant messaging, such as Slack or Discord, is great for staying connected with co-workers and having quick conversations.
• Video meeting tools, such as Zoom and Skype, can help to host virtual meetings and keep teams on the same page.
• Cloud storage and collaboration tools, like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, are great for storing documents and providing easy access for team members.
• Design tools such as InVision, Figma, and Adobe Creative Suite can help you to create and share graphics, websites, and mockups.
• Project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Notion can help you manage tasks, prioritize projects, and track deadlines.

No matter what type of work you’re doing, having the right tech tools will make it easier to stay connected with co-workers and to get your work done efficiently. Staying organized is key, and the right tech tools will help you work smarter!

As hurricane season sets in, it’s essential to be mindful of one’s technology. Taking the necessary steps to ensure that your tech is prepped and ready for any surprise storms can ultimately save time and money during any inclement weather. So whether it’s backing up your data or purchasing a surge protector, these seven simple steps will help ensure that you and your tech remain safe during the turbulence of the season.