How to be tech-ready for a typhoon like Reming?

When the last typhoon Milenyo hit the entire Luzon grid, most people were caught unaware and since the devastation was beyond normal, a lot of people were affected. If you’re running a business like mine which has no borders, you’d end up with a huge problem supporting your clients who didn’t suffer your same fate (read: no electricity, phone lines, mobile networks or internet connection).

The same goes with bloggers and other techies who rely most of their day-to-day work on uninterrupted connectivity and power. Just ask this problogger how she survived Milenyo’s aftermath in Bicol.

So, what have we tech-geeks learned and what to do to prepare for the upcoming typhoon Reming?

• Fully charge all rechargable batteries — laptops, digital cameras, iPods, cellphones, flashlights, etc.
• Get spare batteries if you can. Spare batteries can last you longer — the more, the better.
• If you have a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), it could also be used to re-charge you gadgets later on when the power is already out. Some UPS have around 30 minutes to an hour backup power. You can recharge all your gadgets at the same time with that limited supply.
• If you have a car, get a power inverter or an Ac adaptor. This will save you a lot of pain, though it will be expensive on gasoline.
• Buy a small battery-powered electric fan. Believe me, you’ll need this one if you’re used to your airconditioned room.
• Minimize usage of your gadgets — common sense.
• Plan things ahead. Say you can connect to the net via your mobile phone hooked to your laptop, note down things you need to do first before powering up.
• Re-acquaint yourself with the pen and paper. You can write down your blog entries and then type them really fast later when you’ve powered up.
• If it’s not necessary, don’t. Stay away from Youtube, iTunes or Limewire for the meantime.
• Do an advanced reservation for room in one of the cheapest hotels around (just in case). Make sure they have internet available in the rooms. The last time, Manila hotels had 100% occupancy during the Milenyo week-end.
• Get your cameras and videocams ready. It’s pretty cool taking pictures/videos during and right after the storm.

Alternatively, you can grab a book and enjoy the peace and quite.