IT Guidelines for Best Practices and Hurricane/Storm Preparedness

Best Practices – Follow at all Times

• Store your important files on Sammy (Faculty and Staff) or Timmy (Students – scroll down to File Services – Students – Timmy and select PC or Mac).  These are secure servers that are backed up nightly. 
• For less critical data, backup your files onto a CD, DVD, flash drive or other device.  Be sure to take the backup with you to a safe location or store in a fireproof/waterproof safe.  This backup should not be stored with your primary machine but an alternate location in the event your office suffers extensive damage.
• Your computer should be plugged into a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and not just a surge protector.  These devices contain a battery that will provide you power for a short period of time (this varies depending on the UPS that is purchased) and can save you from losing data during a power surge.  These should be used at all times unless you are preparing for a storm in which case all computer equipment and peripherals (including the UPS, printer, scanner, etc.) should be unplugged.

Hurricane/Storm Preparedness

• Check UNCW's Emergency Information Web page or call the Emergency Hotline at 888-657-5751.
• Secure all loose papers and files and remove from your desktop.  Consider placing important papers under plastic and locking desk drawers.
• Be sure to follow steps 1 and 2 under Best Practices above to be sure your data is secure.
• Shut your computer down properly and unplug everything including your UPS and other peripherals.  
• Put all equipment at least two feet off the floor and as far away from the window as possible. 
• Cover and secure all electronic equipment with plastic.  Trash bags can be purchased from Business Affairs at 910-962-2046 or 910-962-2045.

After the Storm

• Contact your supervisor as soon as possible to inform them of your status.
• When it is safe, return to your office to see if there is any damage.
• If there is visible damage, do not plug anything in or turn anything on.  Call UNCW Business Affairs - Environmental Health&Safety as well as the Physical Plant
  910-962-3100 and ask that someone come to your office to assess the damage.
• If there is no visible damage, you may set your computer back up.  If you are UNCW faculty or staff and need assistance reconnecting your office computer, please call the Technology Assistance Center (TAC) at 910-962-4357.
• Check the ITSD Systems Status & Availability Web page.