Hurricane Preparation for Computer Systems

(direct from Louisiana)

by, Steven Baham , Computer Scientist / June 13th, 2006

Updated August 24th,2007

There are plenty of sources online now for hurricane preparedness to protect lives, homes, pets, and property... but what about your computer systems? For that matter how would a small business owner protect their data in a hurricane, tropical storm, or flood?

I decided to write this up for Bahamlabs.com for the same reason I wrote many of the other articles. In the aftermath of hurricane's Katrina and Rita, Louisiana citizens have asked me these questions quite often in the past few months. In fact, here at Baham Labs, I had to enact some of these practices myself to protect our systems (including this web server) during last year's hurricane season.

The following may be used to protect computer systems in the event of a hurricane, tropical storm, or flood:

Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Source) .  Before the floods, winds, rain, and broken floodgates, start from the bottom: power. A UPS is a battery backup system for your computer (or other electronic device) that allows the power to resume as normal even though your main power source is "down for the count".   I got into the habit of having a UPS on my own PC ever since the janitors in my college dorm would switch off the power at random to "test" things (whatever that means). Let's face it, in Louisiana, a surge suppressor might not cut it if your data is important to you. Random power outages, and surges can damage a system's power supply unit, system board, or even crash a hard drive if it hits at the right moment. I'm going go ahead and recommend that everyone  in Louisiana (especially the southern most regions) have a UPS unit on all of their critical systems (home or office). Most UPS units cost around $60 for the average size PC to stay running for about 5-15 minutes (if your system requires more power, you will need a larger UPS). Large offices will probably need to invest in an office wide, or building wide UPS unit. Many now come with connectors and software that will allow the UPS to shutdown computer systems when the main power source has not resumed by the time the battery's power has depleted. Another advantage is the warranty available with most UPS units. If any of your hardware is damaged while under the care of a UPS, the company will replace your computer or hardware device for free. (Right: Power Strip UPS unit for a desktop/tower PC). Baham Labs recommends APC UPS units.

Surge Protect Everything. Even when you have a UPS unit protecting your system from an "unscheduled" power outage, be sure everything else plugged into the computer from the "outside" is properly surge protected. If you still use a dialup connection to the Internet, use DSL over your phone line,  or even if you use you Modem for a Fax, be sure your phone line is properly surge protected. There have been many cases where a surge not only travels via power lines, but phone lines as well. (Trust me I've seen the burned modems ). If you use a Cable Modem for Internet (or telephone) service, be sure to use a Cable TV compatible surge suppressor. As a further safety step, surge suppress network connections as well whenever possible.  If you're in the market for a power strip style UPS, look for one with phone, network, and/or cable jack surge suppressors built in. (Right: Surge suppressor with Cable, Phone, and Network jacks)

Back Up.  If hurricane force winds  are close, or unpredictable, start backing up critical data on all computer systems. Because Tape backups can be unreliable in the wake of ... well anything out of a room temperature, I suggest using either CD-R, or DVD+/-R discs. Write anything of importance to disc. Once written, store the critical data discs in a fireproof, water proof safe. Investing in a data storage safe (example shown right) may seem expensive at first, but finding a "black box" like this after a disaster might save you in data recovery costs later. (Idea: Don't want to lose precious photos, or documents? Consider scanning high quality versions to JPEG format and write to a CD or DVD for storage in a fireproof/waterproof box).

Bag it and Move up. When I worked with the Naval Research Laboratory, just before a tropical storm hit we covered all computer systems with plastic, and moved them at least 4 feet off the floor. On a visit to a client in New Orleans recently, the family thought quickly and was able to move their computers to the upper floors in case of a flood. I'm going to recommend both actions. Cover your computer systems in plastic (or a strong garbage bag), but be careful not to build static electricity. Tape the plastic closed around the system, and then move the computer to an upper flood or attic area.  If you cannot place systems on an upper flood or attic, be sure to at least place them in a "stable" location at least 4 feet off the floor. This may not protect the computer system or systems in the event of a very destructive storm, but if your lower floors flood, your computers are safe.

Take it with you.  Lastly, if you are evacuating to higher ground, and you are able, take your critical system (or at least the backup of the data) with you for the trip. For some, having their data backed-up to a CD or DVD disc (or discs) and stored in a travel bag that's safely at their side is better for their own personal peace of mind.