Tropical Storm Preparedness Tech List

[james_clickmemedia]

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SPECIAL TEXAS MESSAGE
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Folks,

With Hurricane Ike bearing down on Texas, we'd like to pass on some timely tips to help you keep your computer & electronic equipment and data safe and sound, at home or at the office. And because the long hurricane season has only just begun, we recommend that you keep these tips handy so you can gear into action any time a dangerous tropical storm or hurricane approaches.

1. First and foremost, back up all your important data! Power outages are likely during severe tropical storms and hurricanes, and you'll need to make sure all your critical data is stored. Run a full back up immediately!

2. If your area is forecast for a direct hit, unplug all your computer & electronics equipment well in advance of the storm. This will keep your equipment safe from power surges. Even if your equipment is plugged into battery backups, unplug your machines ASAP. In addition to your computers, monitors, and printers - make sure your TVs, fax, machines, and phones are also unplugged.

3. If you're not in the storm's direct path, you still might be subject to power outages and surges. To safeguard your equipment against power surges, make sure all your computers, routers, and servers are connected to battery backups. In addition to providing surge protection, battery backups provide your equipment some extra time to shut down properly.

4. Cover all your equipment with plastic and lift all your machines off of your floors to protect them against water damages.

5. Have a backup telephone handy - in addition to your cell phone - just in case your cell phone network suffers damages from the storm.

6. If you run a business, compile an emergency contact list with 24-our telephone contact numbers of your essential employees.

7. Keep your vital records of accounts, customers, personnel, administration, and tax information in a safe area where they can be relocated once the threat of the storm has passed. If your home or business is in an area that's vulnerable to storm surges, it's a good idea to keep copies of your vital records off site.

8. Most importantly - make sure your hurricane emergency supplies are available in a secure area that's accessible in an emergency. We recommend the following supplies:

* Emergency communications equipment such as 2-way radios, CB radios, and satellite phones.
* Remote call forwarding access in case it's necessary to temporarily reroute phone lines
* Battery operated television or radio
* Extra batteries
* Flashlights
* First Aid kit
* Emergency tool kit
* Food, water and utensils


Please don't wait until the last minute to prepare for the onslaught of a tropical storm or hurricane, get your emergency preparedness plan into
action as soon as possible. In addition to keeping yourself safe from
harm, please take some time to protect your computer and electronics
equipment by following the tips we've provided. Be safe. Be prepared!