RTC Networks Tech Tip: Protect Your Tech in a Power Outage

Severe weather season is upon us, and with it, an increased risk for power outages. We all take precautions to protect ourselves and our families in case of an emergency—practicing tornado drills, stocking up on bottled water, keeping batteries in our flashlights. But what about protecting our technology?

A sudden loss of power, such as during a summer storm, can result in data loss. However, the real danger occurs when the power comes back on, as the sudden surge of electricity can destroy the inner mechanisms of computers and other electronics.

Today, we will show you how to protect your electronic devices before, during, and after a power outage. If you are more of a visual learner, watch our latest Tech Tip video to follow along with tech expert Riley.

If the power goes down, or you know that severe weather is approaching and could cause an outage, immediately unplug your computer and other devices. Remember to leave one light on and plugged in so that you’ll know when the power comes back on.

 Unplugging your devices is really the only step you can take to protect your tech in the moment, but you can always be more prepared. Take these additional precautions before lighting strikes—literally.

1. Backup all important files, like family photos or financial documents, to an external drive or cloud service. This way, if a device is damaged, your data won’t be lost for good.
2. Install a surge protector on your computer, television, and any other electronic devices that are plugged into outlets. Surge protectors absorb voltage from spikes or surges, preventing it from entering electronic devices and minimizing the risk of damage. And don’t forget to replace your surge protectors from time to time—each time a surge protector does its job, the resulting damage can reduce its effectiveness.
3. Consider an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). A UPS looks like a big surge protector, but includes a battery back-up system that supplies power for 5 to 15 minutes. This buys you time to shut down your equipment safely.

Once the lights come back on, make the rounds to your electronics to make sure everything is back up and running properly. For example, check to see if your router is back online—if not, you may need to reboot it. If you run into any issues, give us a call and one of our technicians can help you find a solution.

When severe weather strikes, your electronic devices will probably be the last thing on your mind. Taking just a few proactive steps to protect your tech in a power outage will allow you to focus on what matters most: keeping yourself and your family safe.

That’s it for this edition of Tech Tips! Check back soon for another tip to make your technology work for you.