A picture of Lightning strike and thunderstorm over a city at night - Extreme Weather Protection for Electronic Devices

Extreme Weather Protection for Electronic Devices: Tips and Strategies

August 11, 2023

Unpredictable Nature’s Fury: Protecting Against the Wrath of Extreme Weather for Your Home and Electronics

Icon with teal storm clouds and orange lightning bolts - Extreme Weather Protection for Electronic Devices

Extreme weather can happen any time of the year. Devastating events including heavy snow, strong thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes, and in some places, hurricanes. It comes when you least expect it and puts a risk to your home and electronic devices.
Lightning strikes and power surges can easily damage your technology and powerful winds can take down power lines. Unfortunately, there are other examples of things that happen which will cause you to lose internet connectivity and could even ruin your computer, like an electrical surge or water damage. This article will cover tips and tricks for extreme weather protection for electronic devices.

Safeguarding Your Computer: Expert Tips for Extreme Weather Protection for Electronic Devices

Here are a few helpful tips and tricks to help keep your computer safe and out of harm’s way.

  • Power Down and Unplug All Devices:  It seems very simple, but the simplest solution is often the best. Powering down and unplugging your devices are the first steps you should take when there is nasty weather approaching. Especially because lightning can strike power lines and cables. Therefore, to protect your computer from any damage, you should unplug it from its power source. Additionally, you should also unplug all of its cables and lines. It is important that you turn off your computer before unplugging it. That way, that data is not lost if the power is cut off before the computer shuts down.
  • Have a Data Backup Plan:  For HIPAA compliance purposes, medical or dental offices should already have a data backup plan in place. If not, you ought to think about getting one. To safeguard your data and keep you up and running as quickly as possible in the case of a disaster or data loss, DTC offers a number of various disaster recovery and backup solutions. Undoubtedly, having a secure data backup that you can readily recover will bring you peace of mind if lightning strikes your office, floods occur, or your server is lost.
  • Have a UPS Device:  When the primary power source fails, a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or battery backup is a device that supplies backup power. Moreover, most of the office equipment can only provide emergency power for a brief period. This is hardly long enough to start a generator or correctly shut down your equipment. These devices are much more reliable than a basic surge protector and are strongly advised to protect your electronics. A UPS will buy you a few minutes of time to prevent data loss and technological damage. This is regardless of whether there is a power flicker or total power outage.
  • Move All Equipment Off the Ground:  Move your laptops and other electronics off the floor if you live in a flood-prone location, or if a hurricane or intense downpour is headed your way. This will shield them from flooding-related damage. Moving your equipment from underneath your desk to the top of your desk can prevent significant water damage to technical equipment. This will likely be saving you from having to purchase a new computer.

 

Post-Weather Check: Ensuring Device Safety and Exploring IT Services for Extreme Weather Protection

After the weather has passed, be sure to inspect your wires and equipment for any damage. Plug your devices back in and turn them on if everything appears to be unharmed. If you don’t currently have a committed IT service provider who can offer extreme weather protection for electronic devices, we strongly encourage you to find one that suits your business needs. You can reach us at 410-877-3625 or send us an email to [email protected].

Contributed by DTC staff

Related Articles:
Contact Us
410.877.3625
[email protected]
Follow Us