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technology Preparations for inclement weather

This guide is intended to provide instructions to computer users for securing and protecting their personal computing assets during a hurricane, tropical storm or other inclement weather. Notifications concerning the University’s official status relative to inclement weather will be communicated by the VSU Emergency Alert System, to include text and email messages, depending upon the method you have chosen.  

Backup and Sensitive Files --Your business sensitive files are valued information assets of the University. Everyone should have access to the O: (Office) and H: (Home) drives for storing business sensitive files.  These drives are for business/academic files only.   Files of this type are typically in the Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats along with Adobe Acrobat and other such data files.  It is very important and a safe practice to regularly backup these files.  You do not need to copy programs or the operating system or otherwise backup your entire workstation. These programs can be easily restored but any business files stored on your local pc's hard drive cannot!

If you plan to backup your files to portable media (CD Rewriteable disks, or USB memory keys) for non-sensitive business files, be sure to carefully label or note the contents of the backup and test it to make sure the contents can be read again. The backup copy should be stored in an alternate, secure location in the event your office or storage location sustains extensive damage. If you use a laptop, be prepared to take the system home or to a shelter with you.

Before leaving your office for the weekend, please make sure you shutdown your computer, turn it off along with any other electronic device in your work area and if possible unplug them from the wall outlets.  If your office is in a basement or other potential flood area consider moving your PC off the floor.

As a reminder, each department is responsible for keeping website and other directories updated. Send updates for People Finder and Sandi switchboard to UTS and  GroupWise to OIT.   Please be safe and stay tuned to the news media and Virginia Department of Emergency Prepareness website for inclement weather details.