Storms cause billions of dollars each year, including computer damage. Unfortunately, computers can be much harder to replace if they are lost than other electronics because of the data contained on their hard drive and the time spent changing and shutting them down. Since I am Katrina surviving and surviving myself, I know how important a computer can be after a natural disaster. As the hurricane season approached, I decided to write a guide to help people protect their computers and data during a natural disaster.
Part I: Making a Copy of the Database and Items You Must Have
Season of a storm or not, you should always save your data. Whether you plan to remove the storm (bad idea) or relocate, you should have a backup of your computer data on an external hard drive or visual media such as CD-R or DVD. Make sure you keep your data in a safe place, such as a waterproofing area. Never leave your backup with your computer.
Next, you need to have the following things to make life easier after the storm:
1. Insurance telephone numbers, computer companies or computer components, and telephone numbers of all local ISPs (including dial and satellite). Having your own insurance phone number and phone numbers with your computer company will help your computer repair quickly if it is damaged. I can't stress enough how important it is for you to have phone numbers and access disks for all local ISPs! After Katrina, the Internet was the only means by which most people could communicate with outsiders. As the ending would have been, my broadband was down for 3 weeks and no other broadband ISP would issue new orders due to the storm, leaving me with my old Dial Up friend, whom I thought I buried 8 years ago. Your best bet is to use a satellite ISP as they have no equipment that could be destroyed by a storm and cause disconnection.
2. Cache backup of all your files, with all app and game disks, CD keys, drivers, and operating system disks.
3. Photos of your computer and proof of content.
In the event that your quad SLI rig is destroyed, you do not want your insurance company to replace it with something less expensive, right? It is very easy for people to say "I had this, this, and this and it all cost me $ 3000 last month." after the demolition of their 3 year Athlon XP machine. As a result, your insurance company may be reluctant to replace expensive computer components unless you can prove that you own them. Also know how much of your insurance (including flood insurance) will replace damaged property. While some policies will cover the cost of replacing damaged property, others may cover part of the cost of the damage. Also know what your deductible is.
4. Blog or Social Networking Profile
Social networking sites like myspace were great after Katrina. Friends can find out where other friends have fled by reading my posts.
5. Generator and Gas
A generator can power many things, including home computers! Ask your local generator manufacturer about any local laws regarding generators, how to set it up safely and efficiently, and how well they will work with computers. Because generators provide unstable power, a battery-powered UPS and surgical protector are required. Do not rely on electricity to power your generator after a storm. It is best to have good gas and a few empty gas containers in hand.
Part II: Getting Out of Your PC
Like any family members or pets you may have, your PC is not something you can leave behind if you can avoid it. While your first priority should be to get out alive, you should consider bringing your PC with you if you are able to replace your car. You cannot rely on your destination to have good computers, high-speed internet, or any other recreational activity. Being somewhere else during a storm is stressful. While watching your local city being moved to CNN and The Weather Channel, people around you and you will be overwhelmed and anxious. Having a good computer with which to browse the web and play Battlefield 2 is for sure. In fact, the Internet was the only place I could find information about my neighborhood after a hurricane! The message boards of the local newspapers were full of people from all over our area and had a lot of information about the damage you could share.
Even if you can't bring your PC, at least bring your hard drive with you! If your home is looted after a storm, the last thing you want is your personal data in someone else's hands. Make sure your hard drive is in an anti-static bag to avoid unnecessary damage to it.
If you are taking a long road trip, you should probably put some sort of paste or foam (even a blanket will work) next to your computer or hard drive to protect it from car crashes. Do not bring your monitor unless you have an LCD and there is room for it.
Part III: Leaving Your PC At Home
If you do not have space for your PC in your car, do not plan to stay with it during a storm. There are a few precautions you can take to prevent unnecessary damage to your computer:
1. Cover any open parts of your computer case (like fans and holes) with tape. Do not use duct tape unless you want to expose yourself to paint in your case or adhesive dirt.
2. Cover your computer with as many garbage bags as you need. At least 2 garbage bags per computer are recommended.
3. Consider how high your home is above sea level, flood risk, and other factors. If you know your home may be flooded, you should place your computer on the second floor. But if you know that your roof is weak and can easily collapse, do not put it on the second floor! Find a windowless enclosure (like a cupboard) as close to the center of your home as possible. If your computer case has a side window, make sure it is facing down or to the wall. If you can,
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