ECAN prepares for Hurricane Irene

ECAN prepares for Hurricane Irene

As Hurricane Irene approaches everyone should prepare.

We have seen a lot of information from various sources about what to do for this that and the other. What we haven't seen here at ECAN is what you should do regarding your computers, electronics, and irreplaceable data.

If possible you should power down and UNPLUG any and all unnecessary electronic devices in your home. Everything except lights and your fridge more or less. Even with surge protectors power surges and lightning strikes can cause a wide range of issues with your electronics. If you are knowledgeable enough to turn off unnecessary breakers in your house this would prevent potential electrical fires and issues that could have been stopped at the breaker box.

For your computer data:
If you have a backup to an external drive, great, but if its plugged in and gets zapped along with your computer it will do no good. Even though none of us want this to happen, if there is extensive wind/water/fire damage to your home, again, your backup does you no good if it is sitting next to your computer. At the very least, place your recently completed backup drive in your car or at a friend's house.

If you have no backups in place, we have a solution that will allow you to get the backup process started across your internet as soon as possible to protect your valuable data in the event of a computer or natural disaster. The software is very affordable @ $36 per year. It requires only half an hour to an hour of remote assistance for us to setup and configure this software for you. Keep in mind that depending on the speed of your internet connection it could take hours or possibly days for your data to become fully backed up.

At minimum we encourage you to go to your local computer retailer and purchase an external drive so you can do a local backup to store in your car. If you need help with this please feel free to give us a call.

ECAN has invested $1,100 today to keep us up and running during extended power outages like those expected to be caused by Hurricane Irene. If you are unable to get through due to phone or cell outages please leave a message on 804.592.1672 and we will check our voicemail at a minimum of hourly for new messages. With the exception of an actual Verizon FiOS outage, ECAN Solutions should have power and internet throughout.

Those of you who have essential internet business are welcome to come use our wireless for free using your own devices. If you require a computer to conduct your online business we can provide access to one for $10 per hour in 15 minute increments. If main power is not available at our location electricity can be provided for your device(s) at $10 per hour in 15 minute increments. Power and a device would be $20 per hour in 15 minute increments.

Please call to ensure that we are actually online or available for this service before coming.
Please be safe and cautious during the next few days, and let us know if there is anything we can help you with!
Sincerely,
Matt Westfall
President and CIO
ECAN Solutions, Inc.
804.592.1672
http://ecansol.com