Ahead of the major winter storm expected to impact large parts of the country this weekend, now is the time to think beyond groceries and travel plans. With millions of people on alert and multiple states declaring emergencies, power outages, internet disruptions, and last-minute work-from-home shifts are all real possibilities.
Taking a few simple steps now can help protect your technology, your data, and your ability to stay productive if conditions worsen.
Charge Everything Ahead of Time
Before the storm arrives, make sure all essential devices are fully charged. This includes laptops, phones, tablets, hotspots, wireless keyboards, and any battery-powered accessories you rely on for work.
If you have portable battery packs or power banks, charge those as well. Even a few extra hours of backup power can make a big difference during an outage.
Use Surge Protectors — Not Just Power Strips
Power outages often come with voltage spikes when electricity is restored. Those surges can damage computers, routers, monitors, and other electronics.
Make sure critical equipment is plugged into quality surge protectors or a battery backup (UPS). Basic power strips don’t offer protection — they just add outlets.
If you’re unsure what’s protected and what isn’t, this is a good time to check.
Unplug What You Don’t Need
For devices that aren’t essential, unplug them entirely before the storm hits. This adds another layer of protection against surges and reduces the number of electronics at risk.
Focus on unplugging secondary monitors, printers, speakers, and any non-essential office equipment.
Prepare for Working From Home
If there’s even a chance you’ll be working remotely Monday or Tuesday, don’t wait until the storm hits to plan.
Bring home any technology you may need from the office, including laptops, chargers, headsets, authentication devices, and files you can’t easily access remotely. Make sure you can log in successfully before you actually need to.
It’s much easier to test access now than during a power outage or internet disruption.
Protect Your Data
Save and back up important work before the storm. Cloud-based storage helps, but only if files are fully synced ahead of time.
Sudden shutdowns during outages can lead to corrupted files or lost work, especially on desktops or older systems.
Check Your Internet Setup
If your power goes out, your internet connection may go with it. A battery backup for your modem and router can help keep you online longer — particularly if your internet provider remains operational.
Even limited connectivity can make a big difference for communication and critical tasks.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Winter storms are unpredictable, but protecting your technology doesn’t have to be complicated. Charging devices, using proper surge protection, unplugging unnecessary equipment, and planning ahead for remote work can help prevent damage, downtime, and stress.
