Preparing Your Business & Computer for a Hurricane
Protect your Productivity this Hurricane Season!
Properly Prepare Your Work Stations
First, shut down all computers. Unplug from battery backup units. Turn off battery back-up units. Unplug the battery back-up units from the wall.
Move the CPU (the box, main unit, processor) up off the ground and place it on a desk. Cover everything with plastic, garbage bags, etc. If you are in an office with windows and the windows will not be secured by shutters or plywood, move the unit to a desk closest to an interior wall and farthest from the windows. Also, turn off and unplug all other devices such as printers, copiers, scanners etc.
IF YOU DISCONNECT ANY CABLES BE SURE TO MARK THEM CLEARLY TO ENSURE PROPER RECONNECTION.
Secure Your Servers
First, shut down the server. Unplug from battery backup units. Turn off battery back-up units. Unplug the battery back-up units from the wall. Move the CPU (the box, main unit, processor) up off the ground and place it on a desk. Cover with plastic, garbage bags etc. If you are in an office with windows and the windows will not be secured by shutters or plywood move the unit to a desk closest to an interior wall and farthest from the windows. IF YOU DISCONNECT ANY CABLES, BE SURE TO MARK THEM CLEARLY TO ENSURE PROPER RECONNECTION. If you have not been checking your backup progress, CHECK YOUR BACKUP. Take your backup (Tape, CD) with you when you leave. Either put it in a safe deposit box at a bank or take it home. If you are in an evacuation zone, give the backup to someone who is outside an evacuation zone. Make a plan for who is to have the backup and where they are going to store it.
Check this website for evacuation zone information. www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/eoc/SAMS.htm
If you have not been getting good backups or are concerned that the building your office is in may not be secure, TAKE THE SERVER WITH YOU. Again designate who is taking it and where they will store it in there home (or other location) so that in the chaos after the storm you will have a clear idea of where your server and data are. An inventory of computers, how many , brand and model numbers(usually on front) is a good idea for insurance purposes in case your building suffers major damage.
Disaster Supplies Checklist
Must-haves for every potential storm!
A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months. A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener. A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes. Blankets and sleeping bags. A first aid kit and prescription medications. A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries. Credit Cards and cash. An extra set of car keys. A list of family physicians. A list of important family information; the style & serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers. Special items for infants, elderly or disabled members.
Office Supplies Checklist
Keep these supplies on hand so you can maintain your productivity, even if you affected by a storm.
Staples. Tape. Pens. Carbon paper. Stamps. Typewriter ribbons/cartridges File folders. Blank computer disks (enough to back-up your systems). General supplies.
Emergency Car Kit Supplies
Don't get caught without! These supplies will come in quite handy!
Battery Powered Radio and extra batteries. Flashlight and extra batteries. Blanket. Booster cables. Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type). First aid kit and manual. Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter. Maps. Shovel. Tire repair kit and pump. Flares.
Evacuation Shelters - Click here for the full list.
IMPORTANT: Not all shelters will be opened at the same time. Stay tuned to local TV and radio for shelter opening announcements.
Emergency Radio Coverage
Boca Raton Radio 1650-AM / Television Channel 20
WDBF-AM 1420
WFXY-AM 1040
WJNO-AM 1290
WSBR-AM 740
WEAT-FM 104.3
WIRK-FM 107.9
WKIS-FM 99.9
WRMF-FM 97.9
WXEL-FM 90.7
Television coverage
Tune in to either WPTV Channel 3 or 5 (depending upon where you reside)
