As we enter the peak of hurricane season, Hurricane Tech Preparation becomes essential for Acadiana residents, especially those in Lafayette, LA. When a hurricane is approaching, ensuring your tech is ready could mean the difference between staying connected and being left in the dark.

1. Build a Hurricane Tech Preparation Kit

Preparing a storm kit isn’t just about food and water — your technology is just as important, especially when it comes to staying connected during and after a hurricane. Here’s what we recommend:

Essentials for Home:

• Power Banks (with cables): Invest in high-capacity power banks that can charge multiple devices. Look for models that support fast charging and can handle tablets, phones, and even laptops. This ensures you’ll have communication tools when the power grid goes down.
• LED Flashlights: Choose rechargeable LED flashlights with a long battery life. Models that can charge via USB are ideal since you can recharge them using your power bank.
• Waterproof Storage Bags for Devices: Keep phones, laptops, and chargers in waterproof bags. It’s crucial to protect them from water damage during heavy rains or floods. Even a small bag of rice can’t rescue a waterlogged phone!
• Spare Batteries: Stockpile long-lasting AA and AAA batteries. These will keep essential tech like radios, flashlights, and some medical devices running in the event of prolonged outages.

Nice-to-Have Extras:

• Portable Power Stations: These are larger than power banks and can power home appliances, Wi-Fi routers, or even your refrigerator. Many come with solar panels, providing long-term solutions if you’re off the grid for days.
• Gas Generator (with caution): Gas generators are useful but remember they can’t be used indoors. Make sure to have plenty of fuel stored and learn how to operate it safely.
• Emergency Radios: Look for models that feature hand cranks, solar charging, or USB inputs. These can double as power banks and allow you to stay informed about storm conditions even when other services go down.

Car Kit:

• Jump Starter with Power Bank Functionality: A portable jump starter that doubles as a power bank is a must-have for anyone traveling during storm season. It will ensure you can get your car running if stranded and charge essential devices.
• LED Road Flares and Flashlights: Make sure you have visibility and safety equipment, especially if you need roadside assistance.
• First Aid Kit and Snacks: While not tech-related, these are crucial for survival and comfort in emergencies.

2. Charge Your Devices in Advance for Hurricane Tech Preparation

Once a hurricane is heading toward Acadiana, time becomes critical. Charge all devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and power banks. Tech Tip: Many modern power banks allow for “pass-through charging,” meaning they can charge themselves and another device simultaneously. This is a great way to optimize your charging setup before the storm hits.

For larger devices like laptops or portable power stations, ensure they’re charged to 100%. If your power starts flickering or browning out, plug your critical electronics into a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to prevent damage. Even small battery backups can prevent costly tech damage from sudden shutdowns.

If you own a gas-powered generator, test it well in advance, making sure the fuel is fresh and the unit works correctly. It’s also a good idea to run a few practice drills, so you’re not fumbling with a manual when the lights go out.

3. Real-Time Weather Alerts for Better Hurricane Tech Preparation

While staying updated on a storm’s progress is crucial, relying on outdated apps or sluggish websites can leave you vulnerable. Acadiana residents should invest in real-time weather apps with push notifications:

• Carrot Weather (iOS/Android): Known for its detailed weather alerts, Carrot Weather gives real-time storm tracking, letting you know if it’s time to hunker down.
• Weather Underground: Provides hyper-local weather updates and long-range forecasts for detailed preparation in the days leading up to landfall.
• Weather.gov: Offers updates directly from the National Weather Service, making it a trusted source for weather alerts and emergency instructions.

Tech Tip: Sign up for weather alerts via SMS or email from your local emergency services, ensuring that you get notified even if mobile apps aren’t working due to connectivity issues.

4. Radios and Their Role in Hurricane Tech Preparation

When cell towers go down or your internet connection fails, radios provide a lifeline. Invest in a battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio. These radios can receive NOAA weather updates and emergency alerts, and some models can even charge small devices through a built-in USB port.

Tech Tip: Write down the frequencies of local radio stations and keep them in an accessible place. It’s smart to test your radio before the storm hits and make sure you have spare batteries handy.

5. Weatherproof Your Devices and Gear

Acadiana’s storms bring heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds, so ensuring your gear is weatherproof is essential. You may not have high-tech protective cases, but a simple Ziploc bag can go a long way.

Tech Tip: Place small silica gel packets inside any bags you use to store your devices. These help absorb moisture and reduce the risk of internal damage. For larger items like clothes, opt for roll-top dry bags that are waterproof and spacious.

6. Back Up Your Data

A hurricane can damage or destroy devices, but your data doesn’t have to be lost. Before the storm, take these steps:

• Cloud Backups: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Backblaze are excellent for backing up files online. This ensures your data is safe, even if your hardware is damaged or lost.
• Physical Backups: If cloud storage isn’t an option, back up essential files on an external hard drive and place it in a waterproof container. You can even invest in waterproof and fireproof storage drives to protect critical data.

Tech Tip: Automate your backups! Many cloud services allow for automatic syncing, ensuring your most recent files are always saved without manual intervention.

7. Test Your Equipment Before the Storm

The last thing you want is to discover that your equipment doesn’t work during the height of a hurricane. Whether it’s a portable battery, gas generator, or jump starter, test everything in advance. This ensures you know how to operate your gear when it matters most.

Tech Tip: Print out or download digital copies of user manuals for any essential gear. Keep them handy in case you need to troubleshoot when power is out, or access to the internet is limited.

Stay Safe, Stay Ready

At Effective Tech, we believe in being proactive. By taking these tech-savvy precautions, Acadiana residents can ensure they’re ready for whatever this hurricane season throws their way. Stay safe, and remember, the right technology can make all the difference when it comes to weathering the storm.