Protecting Your Tech During a Hurricane

Hurricane season is a part of life here in the Sunshine State, and while Summit Broadband works tirelessly to ensure our network is built to withstand Mother Nature's fury, protecting your vital electronic devices is paramount. Whether you're preparing your home or business for a storm, your computers, TVs, and other tech are vulnerable to the unique challenges a hurricane presents.

Here's what you need to know to keep your technology safe:

1. Power Outages = No Internet (and more!)

This is the most critical point: If you lose power, you will lose your internet connection. Your Summit Broadband fiber optic network relies on electricity to deliver service to your home. While our infrastructure is designed to minimize outages, widespread power disruptions are common during hurricanes.

This means:

• Your Wi-Fi will be down.
• Your smart TV won't be able to stream.
• Your desktop computer won't connect.
• Even if your cell phone has battery, its internet access will depend on cell tower power and network availability.

Plan accordingly! Have a battery-powered radio for news, fully charged cell phones and power banks, and non-electronic forms of entertainment.

2. Unplug and Disconnect

Once a hurricane warning is issued or if you anticipate a power outage, unplug all non-essential electronics. This includes:

• Computers (desktops and laptops): Unplug them from the wall and disconnect any external peripherals like printers or scanners.
• Televisions: Disconnect from power outlets and any cable/internet connections.
• Gaming consoles: Unplug them to prevent damage from power surges.
• Routers and modems: While these are your gateway to our service, it's best to unplug them once a storm is imminent to protect them from surges. They'll need to be rebooted when power is restored.
• Charging devices: Only charge essential devices like cell phones or power banks, and unplug them once fully charged.

Why unplug? Power surges and lightning strikes are a significant threat during hurricanes. Unplugging your devices is the best defense against these damaging electrical events.

3. Elevate and Protect

If you live in an area prone to flooding, elevate your electronic devices off the floor. Even a few inches can make a difference in protecting them from standing water. Consider:

• Placing computers, TVs, and other sensitive electronics on higher shelves, tables, or even sturdy boxes.
• If your property has a second story, consider moving electronics upstairs.

4. Back Up Your Data

Before the storm hits, it's always a good idea to back up important data from your computers and other devices. Use external hard drives or cloud storage services. This way, even if a device is damaged, your precious photos, documents, and other files are safe.

After the Storm:

Once the hurricane has passed and it's safe to do so, our technicians will be working diligently to restore service as quickly as possible. Please be patient as we assess and repair any damage to our network.

• Do not immediately plug everything back in. Check for any visible signs of damage to your home's electrical system or outlets.
• Once power is stable, reconnect your Summit Broadband equipment (modem, router) first and allow it to fully power up before connecting other devices.

By taking these proactive steps, you can help safeguard your valuable technology and ensure you're as prepared as possible for hurricane season. Stay safe, Florida!