If you run a business in South Florida, hurricane season is part of the calendar. It officially runs through the end of November, so there's still time for a storm to affect your office. Most businesses think about protecting computers and inventory, but copiers and printers are easy to overlook, and so are the paper records that live around them. A little preparation can save you a lot of trouble afterward.

This is a general checklist, not a substitute for guidance from your insurer or local officials. Always follow evacuation and safety instructions first.

🌀 1. Before the Storm: Protect the Equipment

Copiers are heavy, sensitive to water, and expensive to replace. When a storm is on the way, a few simple steps can help:

• Power the machine down and unplug it from the wall
• Move it away from windows, exterior walls, and any area that tends to take on water
• If the machine sits on the floor level of a flood-prone building, ask about moving it higher or to another room
• Cover it with plastic sheeting if there's any risk of a roof leak
• Keep paper and toner off the floor, since paper that absorbs moisture jams and wastes supplies

📁 2. Protect Your Important Documents

Paper records are often the hardest thing to replace after a storm. Before one hits, consider:

• Scanning key documents such as contracts, licenses, insurance policies, and client files
• Saving the scans somewhere off-site or in secure cloud storage, not just on one office computer
• Moving original paper files off the floor and away from windows
• Keeping a short list of important account numbers and contacts you can reach from anywhere

Many modern copiers can scan straight to email or a shared folder, which makes it a quick way to back up a stack of paperwork before you close up.

🔌 3. After the Storm: Don't Rush to Power Up

Once it's safe to return to your office, take a careful look before turning anything on:

• Check for water damage, moisture, or signs the machine was exposed to flooding
• Don't plug in or power on equipment that got wet, because that can cause electrical damage and safety problems
• Be cautious of power surges when electricity comes back on, and consider waiting until power is stable
• Take photos of any damage before moving anything, in case you need them for an insurance claim

📞 4. Know Who to Call

Have your service provider's number handy before a storm, not after. If your equipment is damaged, let your provider and your insurer know as soon as it's safe to do so. If you're renting, it also helps to tell us early, since replacement equipment can be in demand after a major storm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I unplug my copier before a hurricane?

Yes, powering down and unplugging is a sensible step if a storm is approaching and you're closing the office. It helps protect the machine from power surges.

What if my rented copier gets damaged in a storm?

Contact your provider as soon as it's safe. What's covered depends on your agreement, so it's worth reviewing the terms ahead of time.

Can I still use my copier if the building lost power?

Once power is restored and the machine hasn't been exposed to water, it can often be used again. If you have any doubt about its condition, have it checked before powering it on.

Can CopyCorp of FL help if I need equipment after a storm?

We work with South Florida businesses on rentals and service, including short-term needs. Call us and we'll talk through what's available.