Hurricane Preparation for Computer Equipment

updated August 18, 2008

Your company policy may differ and the degree which you prepare will depend on the predicted proximity and strength of the approaching hurricane. Some servers must be kept running even during a hurricane and after evacuation as management requires.

If moving or unplugging, label the wires. If you don't have wire tie labels, use mailing labels. After a hurricane and power is restored, the number one problem is reconnecting everything.

Servers
Verify your Backups are Current.

Backup to Tape and to another Media such as Portable Hard Drive.

Make sure the Server Case is on a desk or at least 3ft from the floor.

Unplug from UPS. Unplug UPS from wall and also remove from the floor.

Cover with tarp or large plastic garbage bag.

If in sight of a window, move Server. Label wires.

Assign someone to take backup tapes.

Assign someone else to take portable hard drive backup.

Some clients have removeable hard drives in their servers. They may also label and take them offsite.

Desktops
Make sure the CPUS (Cases) are on a desk - off the floor. Label wires.

Unplug from wall and UPS. Unplug UPS from wall also.

Cover with 30ga plastic garbage bag or tarp.

Laptops
These are portable, so it may be best to have each employee take
theirs with them.

Printers and other equipment.
Unplug, move, cover as necessary.

Hurricane Questions: info@techpart.net