Monsoon-Proofing Your Tech: Smart Safeguards for Arizona Homes and Small Businesses

In Arizona, monsoon season doesn't just bring dust and downpours; it poses a serious threat to the technology our homes and businesses rely on every day. And while we tend to think about weatherproofing in terms of windows and roofs, your business and home electronics may be the most vulnerable assets of all. 

Power surges caused by lightning strikes or grid disruptions are one of the top culprits in damaging sensitive equipment. For small businesses, that could mean more than just replacing a modem, it could mean halting point-of-sale systems, losing access to cloud-based tools, or watching thousands of dollars in inventory go unmonitored due to a security system failure. 

The Hidden Costs of Downtime
An outage can have big consequences. While monsoons don’t usually reach a “disaster” scale, they can cause localized outages that interrupt operations. For small businesses, even a few hours of downtime can mean lost revenue, delayed orders, and frustrated customers.

That’s why smart storm preparation includes protecting both your physical assets and your digital infrastructure. Here’s how to start:

For Small Businesses:

Invest in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Battery backups are essential for modems, routers, and essential workstations. A good UPS can give you 10-60 minutes to save files, continue transactions, or safely shut down your system. They can also keep alarms or refrigeration systems running briefly if the grid goes dark.

Surge protection is not one-size-fits-all
Standard power strips won’t cut it. Look for devices rated with a higher joule capacity (over 2,000) and consider whole-building surge protection if your business relies on expensive, sensitive equipment like medical tools, servers, or industrial printers.

Back up your internet and your data 
A storm-resistant internet solution can help ensure critical operations stay online using cellular backup. For businesses that depend on VoIP phones, cloud apps, or connected security, maintaining an always-on connection is essential.  

For Homeowners:

Protect all your home connections
During a monsoon, we tend to worry about losing television or modem signals. But smart thermostats, irrigation timers, and even garage door openers are all part of the connected home and are vulnerable during a power surge. Ensure these devices are plugged into surge-protected outlets or use whole-home surge protectors. These are easy to find at home supply stores or online for under $20. 

A home Wifi connection is the lifeline
We used to rely on home phones during a storm because they didn’t require a power supply. Many of us no longer have a landline, and a severe storm may disable cellular data. Solutions like Cox’s StayConnect Wifi are designed to keep your internet seamlessly connected even in a power outage. 

Protect your devices from humidity and moisture
High humidity and moisture can damage electronics. If your device gets wet, turn it off right away. Gently wipe off any liquid, then let the device and cables dry completely in a cool, ventilated area. Before reconnecting power or plugging in cables, ensure that both the device and its accessories are completely dry.

While the severity of the Monsoon season is hard to predict, with just a bit of planning, we can all be prepared to protect our valuable business and home electronics and stay connected at work and home. 

 by Susan Anable, Phoenix Market Vice President, COX Business