Keep electronic data safe in case of disaster
I received this news release from CrashPlan that has some helpful tips to make sure your electronics are protected. Here I’ll run it in full, to go with today’s Get App-y column on NewsOK about mobile applications from the American Red Cross that offer resources in case of disaster, both for when it happens and to help you prepare:
“With September National Preparedness month just around the corner, we are all checking up on some preventative steps that can be taken to prepare for emergencies in our homes, businesses, schools, and communities, but what about our electronics? CrashPlan, a data backup provider, warns that electronics can be seriously damaged when severe weather strikes. With the upcoming month in mind, CrashPlan has compiled a list of tips for keeping your electronics safe before the storm hits.
“Back up. – Sometimes it is inevitable that hardware will be damaged so back-up your data and back-up often! This will prevent data loss even if the device itself is destroyed. While there are reasons to be wary of online data storage, it may make sense for people in disaster-prone locales since you’ll be storing your files on remote servers that will be safe from whatever disaster takes down your computer.
“Alternative Power Source – When the power goes out, you’ll want to have a secondary source of power to charge cell phones and other electronics. The purchase of extra phone batteries or even a small generator could be a priceless purchase.
“Unplug – As the storm begins, unplug all of your electronics to avoid a power surge. It is also smart to move computers, TV’s and any other electronics away from windows and place them on an elevated surface in the event of rising waters.”
These are just a few tips from one company. I know there are others. What have you done to make sure your electronic information is safe before anything happens to it?
~ Lillie-Beth Brinkman (lbrinkman@opubco.com)
McAlester man sings for U.S. Cellular campaign
A McAlester man is one of 10 U.S. Cellular associates around the country singing in the wireless service provider’s #HelloBetter Twitter campaign this week.
For three days, the associates are responding directly with songs they write in response to complaints about the wireless industry in general. The wireless provider’s social media team is then posting the YouTube links to their videos on Twitter.
James McPherson, 25, of McAlester, has been tweeting Wednesday, including one in response to country music blogger and social media consultant Jessica Northey. McPherson, a retail wireless consultant, has been with U.S. Cellular for three years.
He and the others are singing and recording customized videos to the tune of Travis Tritt’s “Call Someone Who Cares” when they see Twitter complaints about wireless service. Some of his videos are posted on this blog.
“I’ve always enjoyed singing, so I was really excited when I was chosen to participate in the ‘Call Someone Who Cares’ campaign,” McPherson said in a provided comment. “I’m looking forward to coming up with some creative responses to complaints that people have about their wireless carriers and seeing the reactions we get.”
The campaign goal is to highlight U.S. Cellular and its customer service. The wireless provider recently launched its new “Hello Better” campaign to convince people to switch to U.S. Cellular.
To see the songs McPherson writes in response to on Twitter, go to twitter.com/uscellular, search Twitter using the #HelloBetter hashtag, or go online to U.S. Cellular’s youtube channel at uscellularcorp.com
~ Lillie-Beth Brinkman (lbrinkman@opubco.com)
