Key Takeaways:
- AT&T has activated its storm preparedness plan in anticipation of Tropical Storm Helene’s approach to Florida.
- The AT&T Weather Operations Center employs a team of degreed meteorologists to provide business-specific weather intelligence, analytics, and forecasts.
- The FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG), staffed by former first responders, is on standby to support emergency communications for public safety and is coordinating with local and federal agencies.
As Tropical Storm Helene approaches Florida, AT&T is implementing its storm preparedness plan. The AT&T Weather Operations Center, staffed by professional meteorologists, is working to mitigate potential impacts on the AT&T network and ensure employee safety.
Network Preparations Include:
- Refueling generators at cell sites and switch facilities.
- Testing backup batteries at cell sites.
- Protecting physical facilities from flooding.
- Strategically staging emergency response and network recovery equipment for rapid deployment post-storm.
- Preparing dedicated FirstNet® deployable network assets for use by public safety agencies upon request.
“Customers rely on us, especially during major storms,” said Joe York, President of AT&T Florida. “That’s why we conduct readiness drills and simulations throughout the year. We strive to have our networks prepared for severe weather. Our teams and equipment are in place and ready to respond as needed, and we are closely collaborating with Florida public officials on storm response efforts.”
AT&T encourages customers and residents in affected areas to prepare as well. Here are some communication tips to stay connected:
- Save Battery Life: Activate power-saving mode, turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, delete unnecessary apps, or use Airplane Mode during a power outage.
- Keep Mobile Devices Charged: Fully charge devices before the storm and have alternative charging methods ready, like a car charger or backup battery pack.
- Protect Your Devices: Use a water-resistant case or store your phone in a plastic bag to keep it dry.
- Secure Important Documents: Backup critical information and documents, such as insurance and medical records, to the cloud for easy access.
- Establish a Family Communications Plan: Designate a family member outside the area as a point of contact in case of separation.
- Update Emergency Contacts: Store important numbers for police, fire stations, hospitals, and family members in your mobile phone.
- Stay Informed: Access local weather reports through your mobile device, even during a power outage.
- Utilize Smartphone Features: Use your camera to document damage for insurance claims and GPS for finding evacuation routes.
- Minimize Non-Emergency Calls: High call volumes during severe weather can lead to network congestion. If you encounter a “fast busy” signal, hang up, wait a few moments, and try again.
- Opt for Texting Over Calling: Text messages generally require fewer network resources and may go through more quickly than voice calls.
AT&T Preparations:
AT&T’s Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) program is one of the largest in the industry, featuring over 750 specialized response equipment units ready for quick deployment. This includes:
- Mobile cell sites and command centers
- Flying COWs® (Cell on Wings)
- Drones for assessing cell site damage
- Emergency communications vehicles
- Basecamp operations with sleeping quarters, restrooms, kitchens, on-site medical care, and meals ready-to-eat (MREs)
- Hazmat equipment and supplies
- Technology and support trailers for infrastructure support and mobile heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Resources for initial assessment and recovery efforts
Additionally, FirstNet, Built with AT&T—America’s Public Safety Network—has a fleet of over 180 deployable network assets prepared for deployment. The FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG) is continuously available to support emergency communications for public safety and is in coordination with local and federal agencies.
