This article pertains to all employees in Canada and the United States.

TIP Print this page and take it with you as it contains information you can use before, during, and after the weather event.

Hurricanes and cyclones are expected annually between Aug and Nov. Hurricanes affect the East Coast and Gulf regions, while cyclones affect the Pacific Coast and Hawaiian Islands.

Although we are able to monitor the situation from afar and assist with preparation, you are ultimately responsible for your personal safety. Here is what to expect:

• Network outages
• Cellular service outages
• Local government will issue evacuation notices
  
• The Help Desk can send crash kits in advance of the event

If you are unable to complete instructions herein prior to landfall, lock the doors and evacuate per notice. Your safety above everything else is the priority. Contact your regional manager (leave a message) and provide your whereabouts and contact information so that they can confirm your safety after the storm has passed.

NOTE It is important that you get orders placed with the Help Desk early to ensure on-time delivery. Historically, local carriers, UPS, FedEx, and the USPS suspend operations within about 24 hours of landfall. 

To prepare your location

Start planning/executing as soon as necessary or as directed by local authorities and/or your Regional Manager.

1. Check the server drawer inside the server cabinet for the following supplies. Open a ticket and report items you are missing within 3 days of landfall.
   1. 2x 100ft Cat5e/6 Ethernet cables
   2. 2x 50ft Cat5e/6 Ethernet cables
   3. 2x 25ft Cat5e/6 Ethernet cables
   4. 4x 5ft/6ft Cat5e/6 Ethernet cables
   5. Small tool kit
   6. Velcro ties
   7. 2x DisplayPort display cables
   8. 2x HDMI display cables
   9. Power receptacle checker
   10. 3x Power outlet/surge protector
2. Elevate all technology 3.5 feet/1 meter off the ground or higher where practical.
   1. Move computers and other electronics to the countertops or higher.
   2. Mounted computers beneath counters can remain in place.
   3. Disconnect all equipment from power below 3.5/1 meter.
   4. Take laptop(s) and their power supplies with you when you evacuate.
   5. If you can raise the network cabinet in place with blocks, proceed to do so.
   6. Move Trip-Lite black surge protectors above 3.5 feet/1 meters, where practical. It is okay if a Trip-Lite remain plugged into outlets below the 3.5 feet/1 meter height. It's expected that the surge protector will trip and protect equipment when water contact is made. If equipment is not protected with a Trip-Lite surge protector, disconnect the equipment from the surge protector or the wall below 3.5/1 meter.

Store closure preparation

1. Contact your Regional Manager with the date/time you plan to close your store.
2. Turn off all electronics and if you are able to, remove equipment from power.
3. DO NOT attempt to disconnect network equipment, we'll monitor the equipment from headquarters
4. Use trash bags and zip ties to cover equipment on the counters.
5. Use a tarp and bungee cords or zip ties to protect wall-mounted equipment.

Store reopening preparation

Check-in with your Regional Manager for the latest information (if he/she is not already in touch with you).

1. Verify that standing water is gone.
2. Ensure power sockets are dry and operational. You can use the power receptacle checker found in the server drawer.
3. Plug equipment into power sockets.
4. Turn on equipment. If equipment fails to start, please call into the Help Desk at (855) 606-0406 for immediate assistance. 
5. Resume operations when enough equipment is back online to sustain the business.

Help Desk (855) 606-0406