This time of year the storms come rolling through. As a result, we often run across a handful of computers that have sustained damages from the lightning. Here's some advice so you can avoid being one of our clients who needs a new computer.
Unplug Your Electronics--and Anything Connected
Electricity follows the path of least resistance and any physical connection to your computer should be disconnected. That is, it's best to unplug both your computer as well as all cables and cords, including Internet cable, printers, external hard drives, monitors, etc. Don’t forget to unplug your modem or router as well. If your computer uses a wired Internet connection, and the modem is still plugged in, a surge can travel along that path.
An easy way to unplug things efficiently is to have everything plugged in to the same surge protector-power strip. Then simply unplug the power strip as storms approach. Although we do recommend having a surge protector, we've seen where the surge protectors do not offer enough protection from lightning, and during a storm it's best to unplug altogether.
If You Have a "Zapped" Computer
If your computer is struck, your home or rental insurance policy may cover the cost of replacement. We can provide an assessment, estimate and replacement, if you should need one. In the case of a lightning strike it is usually recommended to replace the computer, as there is no reliable way to determine the full extent of the damage and some problems appear in the days or weeks following the strike.
As always, if you have questions, give us a call or send us an email!
Unplug Your Electronics--and Anything Connected
Electricity follows the path of least resistance and any physical connection to your computer should be disconnected. That is, it's best to unplug both your computer as well as all cables and cords, including Internet cable, printers, external hard drives, monitors, etc. Don’t forget to unplug your modem or router as well. If your computer uses a wired Internet connection, and the modem is still plugged in, a surge can travel along that path.
An easy way to unplug things efficiently is to have everything plugged in to the same surge protector-power strip. Then simply unplug the power strip as storms approach. Although we do recommend having a surge protector, we've seen where the surge protectors do not offer enough protection from lightning, and during a storm it's best to unplug altogether.
If You Have a "Zapped" Computer
If your computer is struck, your home or rental insurance policy may cover the cost of replacement. We can provide an assessment, estimate and replacement, if you should need one. In the case of a lightning strike it is usually recommended to replace the computer, as there is no reliable way to determine the full extent of the damage and some problems appear in the days or weeks following the strike.
As always, if you have questions, give us a call or send us an email!
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