What's the best method for checking HDDs before a shoot?

[dafreaking]

So I've just purchased 2 external HDD's which will be used for copying data over on a shoot. What's the best method for checking the HDDs are running absolutely fine and all the sectors are in order. A lot of Google searches recommend performing a secure wipe. Is this the best way?

 

TIA

[noa]

They are brand new and empty? If that is the case I wouldn't worry to much, if you want to be on the safe side though you would use one HD to mirror the data from the other disc so you have a backup. Having 2 drives failing on you at the same time is like winning the lottery.

[dafreaking]

True! Though normally I wouldn't worry so much, I'm investing a sizeable amount of my savings and would like to make sure everything is fine.