Top 10 Tips to Protect your Data Storage Device from Extreme Weather

The data storage devices produced nowadays are robust and built to withstand the outer environment. However, extreme weather conditions can still cause the storage devices to misbehave or crash entirely. For instance, HDDs comprise moving parts, such as the head, platter, arm, etc. These parts may get damaged when exposed to excessive heat, moisture, or voltage.

Hence, it is important to protect your data storage device from extreme weather conditions. Otherwise, they get damaged, resulting in data loss. Once the storage device is damaged, the only solution is to contact a competent data recovery provider to recover data from it.

In this article, we’ll look into the effects of extreme weather on data storage devices and some useful tips to protect them from extreme weather.

Adverse Effects of Extreme Weather on Storage Devices

Extreme weather can have adverse effects on your storage devices. Let’s discuss the most critical ones.

1. Heating

In the summer season, especially in the subcontinent, the temperature can go quite high. If you work on your computer or laptop at room temperature, it can cause the hard drive to heat up.

2. Voltage Spikes

Your locality sometimes experiences power surges, especially in the rainy season. These power surges can cause voltage spikes in the computing devices, such as laptops, PCs, or servers. These power surges can cause damage to the storage devices.

3. Moisture

If you live in a humid climate, there is a considerable amount of moisture in the air. The moisture can enter into the storage device, damaging its inner parts.

Top 10 Tips to Protect your Data Storage Device from Extreme Weather Conditions

Here are some useful tips to protect your data storage device from extreme weather conditions.

1. Take a Regular Health Check

Whether Windows or Mac, every operating system has system check options that show your system’s present condition. Regularly check your system for any abnormalities. You can also opt for third-party tools, such as Stellar Drive Monitor to diagnose the health of your hard drive.

2. Monitor the Voltage

You should keep a check on the voltage being supplied to the system. If the voltage increases, turn off the computer immediately. It is recommended to install surge protectors to safeguard the system from sudden power surges.

3. Don’t Expose the Device to Outer Conditions

If you want to protect your storage devices from extreme weather conditions, it is obvious that you don’t take the device out with you. For instance, in the rainy season, avoid working on your laptop while traveling. If it is necessary, make sure the mode of transport is air-conditioned.

4. Deploy Air-Conditioned Environment

The storage devices work optimally in a temperature range. If subject to excessive atmospheric heat, their performance can degrade. Hence, always try to work in an air-conditioned room or normal temperature room, giving storage devices a suitable environment.

5. Shut Down the Computer if Temperature Increases

If you are not able to work in an air-conditioned environment, try to work as little as possible at room temperature during summers. If the room temperature increases, shut down the system immediately to prevent any damage. Don’t restart the computer until the temperature subsides.

6. Check the Computer’s Fan

Check if the fan of the computer is working properly. The fan is situated at the bottom of the laptop or the side of the desktop behind the visible vents. It offers ventilation to the system and cools it down. If the fan is not working properly, the system can heat up.

7. Power-off Computer when Not in Use

In extreme weather conditions, you should try to use the computer as little as possible. When you are finished with the work, power off the computer and start it when you need it again.

8. Keep the Computer’s Vents Open

The computer has vents to allow proper ventilation to the components, including the hard drive. If the laptop is kept at certain positions, it can block the computer’s vents. In the summers, it can cause the system to heat up.

9. Provision Additional Power Source

Extreme weather conditions, such as continuous rain, can cause frequent power cuts in your area. This leads to abnormal shutdown of the system, damaging the storage device. Purchase a UPS for an uninterrupted power supply so that you can shut down the system properly.

10. Ensure Waterproofing

Even a drop of water can cause damage to the hard drive. If you have to walk out of the house for any urgent work in the monsoon season, ensure that you keep the external storage devices in waterproof bags.

Final Note

A storage device is not built to sustain extreme weather conditions. Such conditions may cause damage to the storage device. If the storage device gets damaged, it could lead to data loss. Hence, you should ensure that the hard drive always gets the best environment to work optimally.

In case your storage device is damaged due to heat or moisture, you can contact a professional data recovery service provider to recover data from the device.