National Preparedness Month - Are You Tech Ready?

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month - Are You Prepared?

September has been designated as National Preparedness Month, bringing awareness for the need to have an effective plan for you, your family and business in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.  Weather emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and severe thunderstorms can impact you, your family and business, through disruption of power, impassable roads due to flooding or downed trees, loss of essential services such as clean water and access to food.  Additionally, severe property damage can impact safety when the damage makes the building unsafe for habitation.   There can also be loss of communication services when cell towers are damaged.  In a concerted effort by Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) this government entity has compiled numerous resources on their site at ready.gov to inform the public how to be prepared if and when an emergency happens. 

One important category to consider in being emergency ready is planning for your technical equipment including cell phones, computers and laptops.  Several key points to consider when dealing with tech issues are:

• Text rather than call when attempting to communicate with family and loved ones. Cell towers may be overwhelmed making it easier to communicate via text as texting uses less bandwidth.
• Back up computers
• Charge your smartphone, tablets and laptops prior to the storm
• Have back up power supplies
• Scan critical documents into your computer and save to a password protected jump drive.
• Make sure to have a phone charger in your automobile.
• Find open shelters by texting SHELTER to 43362
• Sign up for the FEMA app to get weather information

Get additional information at https://www.ready.gov/get-tech-ready