Airhart Electric, Inc. - High Quality Commercial & Residential Electrical Service

“BE PREPARED”

Tina — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:42:30 +0000

In the unlikely event that Hurricane Earl reaches inland, I wanted to pass along some precautionary measures that you may want to consider to safeguard your computer equipment. The most damaging two things that can happen in a major storm are electrical damage and water damage. Even though we all do our best to put protections in place, such as Uninterruptible Power Supplies and data backup routines, there is always the chance – especially in a major storm – that those protections can be circumvented or overrun. If the weather predictions start to lean towards a major storm that may include major power outages and\or interruptions, you may want to consider the following steps:

1) Make sure to take your backup tape or hard drive with you when you leave the office Friday. If you are using an offsite backup service, double check to make sure it has run successfully.

2) Power down or turn off all computers, servers and electronic equipment such as routers, cable modems, printers and network switches. Start with the workstations, then the server, and finally all other equipment. The most damage to data occurs when a computer shuts off unexpectedly which can cause data loss or corruption. An Uninterruptible Power Supply (such as an APC UPS) is designed to protect against power surges and spikes and short term power loss. However, if the outage lasts longer than a few minutes, the battery will be exhausted and the equipment will still shut

off, increasing the risk of data loss.

3) If the storm has the potential for lightning and\or major power spikes, such as from trees falling on power lines, you may want to take the added measure of physically disconnecting all wires from the back of your equipment. Even though you may have surge protectors, if the spike is large enough, it can still find its way through the wires. For example, if there is an unprotected wire connected to the internet or phone system, the power spike can actually travel through ANY connected wire, such as a network cable, and damage the internal components of the system.

4) If you are in a location that is prone to flooding, after you have physically disconnected your computer or server, move it off the floor and onto a higher location or take it off the premises. The level of precaution you decide to take will surely depend on the likelihood of the storm severity and your own business continuity needs, but we wanted to communicate the options so that everyone was prepared. Even with a good data backup, waiting for replacement parts and equipment can cause days or weeks of lost business productivity. We have found that a few hours of precautionary system downtime can save time piecing things back together afterwards. Should you decide to shut everything down, when you power everything back up do so in the reverse order that you powered it down. Start with the miscellaneous equipment (internet devices, printers, etc), then the server, then the workstations.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us right away.

“Hurricane preperation list”

Tina — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:25:26 +0000

Be prepared should a hurricane strike your area! Here is a list of things that are necessary for you to do!

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items – for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones – Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards – Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools – keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

IT IS HURRICANE SEASON

Tina — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:31:30 +0000

With Hurricane Earl possibly hitting the East Coast within the next few days, now is the time to get prepared! Be sure to check that your generator system is in tip top working condition. Being proactive will have you ready to take on any power outages which may occur.

Safety tip: Be sure to stay away from any downed electrical wires during and after any major storms!

ENCOURAGEMENT

Tina — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:45:45 +0000

Encourage your people to be comitted to a project rather than just be involved in it. ” Richard Pratt “

TEAMWORK

Tina — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:30:40 +0000

The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.

SWITCH IT. PLUG IT. CLICK IT.

Tina — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:52:31 +0000

“IT” refers to all the new computers, tools, games, appliances, and entertainment devices your family enjoys. But most homes weren’t built for all these gizmos! So let us come out for a frendly, free and fast review of the needed items in your home or office. Out techs can wire your home or office quickly and safely. Just say you want to “switch it, plug it or click it” We’ll know what you mean. Call us today!