How to protect your technology from Cyclone Alfred
- Ben Dampney
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to make landfall tomorrow or Friday morning, with damaging wind gusts, storms, and heavy rainfall expected to impact a large warning zone spanning Queensland and NSW.
Whilst Toowoomba and the Darling Darling are not in the eye of the storm, the Bureau of Meteorology is expecting windy conditions and potential heavy rainfall across the region from Friday 7 March 2025.
Given this we thought it was timely to share some advice on how you can proactively prepare for this weather event to mitigate risk and ensure business continuity.
Standard Best Practice
These precautions should be followed year-round.
Backup Data Files – Your data represents many hours of work, and are potentially irreplaceable. These files should always be backed up across different backup technologies and locations. We recommend backing up to a local storage device and to the cloud, which helps in the event your office suffers damage during a weather or other unforeseen event.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) - Due to the frequency of summer electrical storms, protecting computer equipment with an UPS that provides both over and under voltage protection is recommended. These devices contain a battery that will provide electrical supply for a short period (usually 10--20 minutes) to a computer even when the power is out. Some UPS devices can be configured to signal a computer to initiate an orderly shutdown if the power goes out even if the user is not available to shut the computer down.
Cyclone Alfred Specific Preparation
The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting windy conditions and potential heavy rainfall to impact our region from Friday 7 March 2025.
Given we have warning and time, I would use this opportunity to charge laptops, tablets, mobile phones, chargers, spare batteries and power banks.
Digit IT also recommends the following as a precaution:
Backup Data Files - Although backups should be part of regular procedures, a separate full backup of your critical data should be performed before you leave your workplace. For users who store data files on a network server, your network administrator should perform the backup. It is crucial at this time that a copy of this backup be moved to a secure location if you expect flooding in your office or building.
Computer Storage – Shut down your computer properly and unplug it from the wall outlet before you leave your office. Do the same for the monitor and all peripherals such as printers, scanners, and speakers. Move the computer and peripherals away from windows in case of rain. The equipment should be securely supported at least two feet from the floor and covered with plastic sheeting.
Recovery
These steps should be taken to resume normal computer operation after returning to work.
Initiate Damage Assessment Procedures - Take note of the condition of the computer equipment. If it is visibly damaged or appears to be wet, DO NOT plug the equipment in or turn it on.
Verify Power Supply Integrity - Computer equipment should not be connected or turned on if electrical power is unstable.
Verify Network Service Availability - Networks, internet or server provider services may not be available. They may require IT support to ensure safe restoration of service.
Verify Proper Operation - Return the computer to its original location and reattach all peripherals. Plug in all power cords and turn the computer on. Take note of error messages and write them down.
Contact Digit IT
Please contact Digit IT on 07 4637 9033 if you have any specific questions on how to prepare your technology, if you need assistance initiating equipment recovery procedures or if you have any other concerns.
Digit IT can also assist with Business Continuity Planning. Specifically, protecting your data and making sure you have a plan in place in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
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