Living in the Lowcountry means that hurricane season is a fact of life. Every year from June through November, homeowners and business owners alike are reminded that preparation is key to protecting property, people, and technology. Most people know to stock up on water, batteries, and nonperishable food. But very few think about how vulnerable their home and business networks are during severe weather. Internet connectivity, power fluctuations, and water damage can all take a toll on the technology that powers daily life. Being proactive before a storm hits can save you from major headaches and downtime later.
Start by evaluating how your network is physically set up. Is your modem sitting on the floor near a window? Is your networking gear on a low shelf in a closet or garage? During a flood or heavy rain, water can seep into unexpected areas, and water damage is one of the fastest ways to ruin your equipment. Elevate your modem, router, switch, and any backup storage drives. Use a wall mount or place them on a high shelf away from windows and doors. If your gear is in a closet or utility room, make sure that space is dry and well ventilated.
Next, think about power. Hurricanes cause outages, and the power coming back on can include dangerous surges. A surge protector is good. A battery backup is better. An uninterruptible power supply gives your network a chance to shut down safely during an outage and keeps your devices running long enough to save work or finish essential tasks. This is especially useful for small businesses that rely on cloud access or on site servers. Even homes with smart security systems can benefit from short term backup power to maintain surveillance and communication during a storm.
Data is another major consideration. Your internet might go down. Your power might go out. But your business or personal files still need to be safe. Cloud storage is essential for disaster recovery. Sync your most important files with a reputable cloud provider. If you use local storage, have a backup drive in a separate location or invest in a rugged portable drive designed for harsh conditions. It's not paranoid to prepare for damage. It's responsible.
Connectivity also matters. After a storm, it's common for cell towers and local ISPs to experience outages. Consider a mobile hotspot as part of your emergency kit. This can be a dedicated hotspot device or simply tethering from your phone, assuming the network is functional. Businesses may want to look into cellular failover routers that automatically take over if your main connection goes down. This type of redundancy can keep operations online during critical times, even when everything else is failing.
For smart homes or offices with automation, take the time to test what happens when power is lost. Will your door locks remain functional? Will security cameras reconnect on their own? What about thermostats and alarms? Knowing what to expect ahead of time gives you an edge during recovery. Label your equipment. Document your setup. Keep login credentials written down and stored securely in case devices need to be reconfigured manually.
Don't forget communication. If your office uses VoIP, have a backup method to reach clients or team members. Even a simple call forwarding rule that redirects calls to a cell number can help you stay accessible. For families, group chats and check ins become lifelines. Make sure everyone knows how to reach one another if local infrastructure goes down.
Preparation is more than just having gear. It is also about knowledge. Know how to restart your modem. Know how to access your router settings. Know where your networking cables run and which devices depend on them. If you rely on a professional to manage your IT, talk with them before the season gets underway. Ask for a checklist, review your equipment, and make a plan together. The goal is to avoid scrambling in the middle of a storm or worse, during recovery.
After the storm passes, test everything. Internet speed, connectivity, device functionality. It may take time for service providers to restore full functionality, but you should still inspect your own setup for water damage, loosened cables, or any alerts from your firewall or router. If you use remote access, confirm that it's still secure and operational.
Your network is as much a part of your home or business as any other system. Just like windows need to be boarded and insurance policies reviewed, your technology needs a readiness plan. It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Most of the steps involve organizing what you already have and making small upgrades that deliver peace of mind. In a region where hurricanes are expected, being caught off guard is a choice. Preparedness, on the other hand, is power.
If you want help reviewing your current setup or putting together a readiness plan, we’re here to help. From backup solutions to professional cable management, Lowcountry Network Consulting can make sure your systems are ready before the next storm hits.
