Accounts, passwords and backups
A pre-storm-season checklist for your devices and files
A short technology checklist to work through before storm season, covering backups, power surges and what to check if you lose internet.
What you will learn
You'll have backed up important files, checked surge protection and know how you'd check an outage or reach us if something goes wrong.
Before you continue
Power-point and switchboard-level surge protection must be installed by a licensed electrician.
This checklist is technology-only. It is not storm, flood or evacuation safety advice.
Stop and contact a licensed electrician if you notice damaged wiring, burning smells or exposed cabling. For property, safety and evacuation preparation, use your state or local emergency service's official guidance instead of this checklist.
Why do this before the weather turns
In South East Queensland, storm season runs broadly from November to April. None of the steps below are emergency actions. They are ordinary technology habits that are easier to do calmly in advance than to think about once a storm is already forecast.
This checklist covers technology only. It does not replace your household or business emergency plan.
Back up what you can't afford to lose
Check that important photos, documents and records are copied somewhere safe, separate from the device you normally use. If you have not checked this recently, do it now rather than during a weather warning.
Small businesses should also check that current working files can actually be recovered, not just that a backup exists.
Check surge protection on your equipment
Lightning is the most common cause of power surges, and a surge can damage computers, modems, TVs and similar equipment. A powerboard with built-in surge protection is a simple way to protect what is plugged into it. Power-point and switchboard-level surge protection is also available, but must be installed by a licensed electrician.
If severe weather is forecast, turning off and unplugging sensitive equipment is an extra, simple precaution.
Know how you'll check an outage
Decide now, not during a storm, how you would tell whether an internet problem is affecting only you or the wider area, and how to restart your modem or router safely afterwards. Having this worked out in advance saves time when you actually need it.
Small business: record what you'd need to ask for help
If technology support becomes urgent during or after a storm, having your account, hosting and provider details already recorded means you are not searching for them under pressure.
What this checklist does not cover
This is a technology checklist, not storm or flood emergency advice. For home and property preparation, safety during severe weather and evacuation planning, use your state or local emergency service's official guidance.
What to expect
Important files are backed up, sensitive equipment has surge protection, and you know the first steps for an outage or provider issue.
Sources and further reading
- Surges & spikes · Energex
Supports the guidance on surge protectors, licensed installation and unplugging sensitive appliances during storms.