# How to prepare instruments for Natural Disasters

If an instrument is located in an area that is expected to be affected by a natural disaster (hurricane, tornadoes, storms, etc), see the following instructions to prepare them:

1. Perform washes as instructed in the [Instrument maintenance and shutdown procedures for extended site closures](https://illumina.lightning.force.com/lightning/r/Knowledge__kav/ka0aJ000000HpKfQAK/view)
2. Power off the instrument via normal processes in the instrument system guide.
3. Unplug the instrument from the power source (remove the power cord).

Upon return to work:

1. Plug the power cord back and turn the instrument on.
2. Perform two maintenance/manual washes to rehydrate the fluidics system.
3. Perform a system check following the instrument system guide.

If system checks fail or any other errors are observed, contact [Illumina Technical Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/united-states/technical-support).

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #3018), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000003018%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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