Verizon Response: Tropical Storm Zeta
October 27 2020 - 4:00PM
In preparation for Zeta, the Verizon network team has been busily
readying the network to provide reliable, dependable communications
before, during and after the storm. When storms like Zeta hit,
power outages are commonplace. Verizon has backup power in the form
of batteries and generators at our cell sites and network
facilities so that even if commercial power is lost, our network
can continue to run. These batteries and generators have come in
handy many times already this year with the other storms that have
hit. We have also pre-arranged for ongoing fuel deliveries to the
generators so if commercial power is out for a long period, we are
able to keep customers and first responders connected to the people
and resources they need.
Extreme weather events can also damage fiber optic cables, which
carry data and are an essential part of keeping our wireless
network running. Despite having duplicate fiber paths for
redundancy, fiber can be damaged in multiple places due to
sustained winds, a storm surge or even manual cuts during storm
recovery work, impacting communications. To respond to that
circumstance, we have a fleet of satellite enabled portable
equipment that can serve as a temporary alternative to fiber and
can aid in the restoration of service in critical areas.
Having recently responded to impacts from Hurricanes Laura,
Sally and Delta, the network team has quickly performed maintenance
on Verizon’s fleet of mobile assets - such as mobile cell sites and
satellite links - and deployed those assets just outside of the
predicted storm impact zone for quick mobility after the storm
rolls through. With attention to health concerns during the ongoing
pandemic, the network Emergency Operation Center has been activated
with many functions virtualized to make it easier for our engineers
working on network repairs and deploying mobile assets to remain
socially distanced. We have also arranged for individual portable
housing units for mission critical network engineers in the
field.
We’re ready to support our first
responders and community
Verizon is the No. 1 network for public safety. During Zeta and
at all times of crisis, we provide network priority and preemption
for first responders at no cost to public safety agencies. As
always, first responders have access to the Verizon network when
they need it. Additionally, the Verizon Response Team (VRT) will be
available onsite 24/7 as the storm makes landfall and in its
aftermath to coordinate with first responders and to provide
essential technologies as long as they’re needed. VRT assets
including devices, special equipment, emergency vehicles and more
to support local, state and federal agencies responding to the
storm.
Not only do we work to ensure our network is ready for the
storm, but we make plans to be there for our neighbors who may be
impacted. We have mobile Wireless Emergency Communications Centers,
Tactical Command Trailers, and Response Trailers ready to deploy to
support first responders and community members during recovery
efforts. We also have portable cell sites and equipment to support
first responders’ emergency command centers.
Due to the storm, Verizon retail stores may be closed or have
reduced hours. You can find the latest hours and locations by
visiting: https://www.verizonwireless.com/stores/.
Have a plan for your
family
Before landfall, we encourage you to take these steps to ensure
your loved ones are ready to communicate during the storm:
Device preparation:
- Ensure all battery-powered devices are
fully charged before the storm hits. This includes wireless phones
and smartphones, laptops, tablets, flashlights and radios
- Wireless devices can be a key source of information and
communication in the event of an emergency, so be sure to keep
phones, tablets, laptops, batteries, chargers and other equipment
in dry, accessible locations like re-sealable plastic bags, dry
bags or waterproof cases
- In case of evacuation, make sure
you know where your chargers are, both wall and vehicle charging
cords, and have portable device chargers fully charged and next to
your device
Know and back up your info:
- Maintain a list of emergency phone
numbers and email addresses, including police, fire and rescue
agencies; power companies; insurance providers; and family, friends
and co-workers. Program them into your phone, smartphone, tablet or
laptop and also have a hard copy handy, someplace easily
accessible
- Backup your information on Verizon Cloud - Verizon offers
backup assistance through the Verizon Cloud to store your phone’s
address book and contact information as well as pictures and other
content on a secure server
- Record video/take photos of your
possessions in your residence before severe weather hits
Bookmark resources:
- Download weather applications and
alerts that provide users with a variety of information such as
radar images, forecasts and severe storm warnings
- Program your smartphone to receive emergency alerts. Wireless
Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free wireless notifications that are
delivered to your mobile device by local/national public safety
organizations
- Also in case of evacuation,
bookmark your emergency resources on your phone so you can research
any special restrictions, limitations or instructions if you need
emergency shelter, medical care or other support that may be
impacted by COVID-19.
How businesses and government organizations can
prepare and stay connected
Businesses and governments know the importance of preparedness.
As Zeta Approaches, contingency planning is critical. We offer
customers products and services that can help disaster-proof
communications and enable business continuity.
It’s also a good time to review readiness plans. Suggested steps
for businesses and government organizations include:
- Make sure you have contact information
updated and readily available for all employees
- Make copies of insurance documents, review insurance coverages
and update as appropriate
- Ensure employees working from home have documented all
corporate equipment being used to work from home in case of damage
or loss
- Ensure you have a backup plan to
shift work in case work-from-home employees in a storm-impacted
area have to evacuate their home or their home loses commercial
power
**Editor’s Note: We have
b-roll, pictures and additional information on our
emergency response equipment available at
our Emergency Resource Center
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on
June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the
world’s leading providers of technology, communications,
information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered
in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon
generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019. The company offers
data, video and voice services and solutions on its award winning
networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for
mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.
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