Tech Tips to Prepare for Severe Weather

You know what they say – April showers bring May flowers – and sometimes those “showers” can be raging thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning, wind, and occasional hail.  There’s also a chance of tornadoes. Spring storms can be dangerous – and very sporadic. To keep you safe, here are a few tips to help prepare for severe weather:

Before the storm.

• Charge your devices. When you know a storm is coming, gather your cell phone, tablet, lap top, etc. and power up. You’ll feel safe and confident with 100% battery as you head down to the basement or should the power go out.
• Consider installing a house-wide surge protector at your electric service panel. It’s the single point where power enters your home, so it’s a great place for a surge protector that should help protect all of the circuits and devices in your home.
• Back up your data, preferably offsite. If you don’t routinely backup your data, check out AT&T Cloud Services before the next big thunderstorm rolls through your area. That way if something does happen, you won’t have to worry about recalling all of your important files.

During the storm.

• Whether you’re in the basement or a windowless room, be sure to unplug your devices from the wall during a storm. Serious storms in the spring with high winds and heavy lightning can put your home at a higher risk of power surges and power outages.
• Check your phone for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). These alerts are designed to get your attention, broadcasted at a set volume that isn’t able to be modified. The notification will alert you about imminent threats in your area.
• Safety first. All of that said, when severe weather strikes – particularly one capable of producing a tornado – the first thing you should worry about is your safety. Your devices should be there to help you check the weather and call family and friends. No matter how much of a tech geek you are – never put yourself at risk for the sake of your technology.

After the storm.

• Check the surge protector to make sure it hasn’t tripped. If it does, you will need to replace it – which is still more affordable than replacing all of your damaged electronics.

Learn more important safety tips by visiting our Vital Connections media kit.