AT&T Networks Prepare for Hurricane Lane
AT&T* is prepared for Hurricane Lane with an arsenal of disaster response equipment and personnel on standby.
We have started our storm preparedness process as we closely monitor Hurricane Lane. The storm is expected to impact the Hawaiian Islands as early as Thursday. Our preparation includes:
- Topping off fuel generators.
- Testing high-capacity back-up batteries at cell sites.
- Protecting physical facilities against flooding with sandbags.
- Staging other emergency response equipment in strategic locations for quick deployment following the storm.
“Customers rely on us, especially during major storms," said Bob Bass, president, AT&T Hawaii. "That's why we practice readiness drills and simulations throughout the year. We do all we can to have our networks prepared when severe weather strikes. We’ve worked for the past few days to position equipment and crews and are ready to respond if needed. We’re closely linked with Hawaii public officials in their storm response efforts.”
Our AT&T National Disaster Recovery (NDR) program is one of the industry’s largest and most advanced disaster response programs. The NDR fleet includes hundreds of technology recovery and support trailers nationwide that can be quickly deployed to support customers and first responders.
Response equipment readied in the wake of an event may include:
- Mobile cell sites and mobile command centers like Cell on Wheels (COWs) and Cell on Light Trucks (COLTs)
- Emergency communications vehicles (ECVs)
- Flying Cell on Wings (Flying COWs)
- Drones
- A self-sufficient base camp. This is complete with sleeping tents, bathrooms, kitchen, laundry facilities, on-site nurse and meals ready to eat (MREs).
- Hazmat equipment and supplies
- Technology and support trailers to provide infrastructure support and mobile heating ventilation and air conditioning
- Internal and external resources for initial assessment and recovery efforts
Just as we prepare, we encourage customers to do the same. Additional information and tips for disaster preparedness can be found here.
