Computing Devices During Bad Weather – Part 2

tropical storm activity map for the next 48 hours

As I mentioned in part one of this post, “Computing Devices During Bad Weather,” every year around this time, I like to talk about our computing devices during bad weather. Why now? We’re located in Florida and it’s hurricane season, that’s why! Even if you’re not affected by hurricanes, all of us can be hit by bad weather. With that in mind, let’s explore what we should do with our computing devices.

Leaving Your Home To Avoid Bad Weather – What To Do With Your Computing Devices

If you’re affected by bad weather and decide to leave your home, here are some things you should know/do:

Removal Of Your Computing Devices

What you take with you when you leave your home depends on how you’re getting out of town. Are you going by car? Train? Plane? Let’s start with the idea you’re leaving by car.

Leaving By Car

Some devices are easy: smartphone, tablet and laptop. These three devices you just carry into the car. Caution: don’t forget the charging cords!

On the other hand, desktop and all-in-one computers are a bit more challenging. With a desktop, the most important part is the tower. If you don’t have room for the complete set up (tower, monitor, keyboard, mouse), at least take the tower. You’ll need to pack it securely so it can’t move around the car – whether inside or in the trunk. Vibration is your enemy. Too many bumps along the road and you may be looking at a new hard drive for that tower. The same is true for all-in-one computers. You need to pack them securely, as well.

Car Charging Adapters

If you are leaving your home in a vehicle, you definitely want to have charging adapters. We once sat in traffic for eleven hours to get out of Florida and avoid a hurricane. (Usually a 4 hour trip.) You want to make sure you can keep your devices charged while you’re bumper-to-bumper in your vehicle. Of course, some cars have charging sources built-in so you won’t need an external adapter. (Make sure you know how to use the ones built-in.) If your vehicle only has a cigarette lighter plug, then I suggest you get one of these inverters. They give you AC and USB charging capabilities.


Leaving By Train

If you’re leaving by train, you’re probably going to have to leave your tower and/or all-in-one behind and hope for the best. (Of course, you’re using online backup so your data will be safe regardless. Aren’t you?) That leaves you with the smaller devices. Again, I caution you to remember the charging cords for your smartphone, tablet, smartwatch and laptop.


Leaving By Plane

There’s not much difference in terms of leaving by train or plane. Just don’t forget the charging cords! (Is that point sinking in yet?)

Staying In A Hotel

Regardless of how you leave home, if you stay in a hotel, here are some things to remember:

  • Don’t use the hotel’s Internet (wired or wireless) to transact anything financial or personal. You should be using a VPN.
  • Make sure you have your own surge protector for your devices. Here’s the one I use:

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