Company is prepared to respond, offers safety tips, and advises residents in storm-prone areas to take precautions early
Consolidated Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSL), a leading broadband and business communications provider, is readying its emergency preparedness protocols and disaster response plans in advance of the official start of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season and in the event of severe weather in its service area.
Consolidated Communications prepares for a wide variety of emergencies and maintains a watchful eye on storms and severe weather that could potentially affect the reliability and dependability of its communication services, particularly in its Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Texas service areas.
Should high winds, flooding or other storm impacts occur, the Company is prepared to take action to address customers’ needs while ensuring their safety and the safety of its employees. When needed, the Company will initiate its Emergency Response Plan, and Repair Centers are available to address customer needs 24 hours a day.
“We know our customers’ connectivity is more important than ever,” said Gabe Waggoner, executive vice president of operations at Consolidated Communications. “We continuously invest in our network and enhance our emergency preparedness plans to ensure the reliability of our services, particularly during critical times. As a critical infrastructure provider, should a severe weather event occur, we are prepared to restore services as soon as possible, while keeping our employees and communities safe.”
Consolidated’s emergency preparedness plans include:
- Ensuring all back-up power supplies and generators are fully operational;
- Ensuring availability of fuel for both fleet and emergency generators during and after a storm;
- Taking inventory of supplies needed for plant and network restoration and supplementing where necessary;
- Placing emergency network supplies throughout company facilities; and
- Double-checking all safety equipment and supplies are in place.
As the company prepares and ensures appropriate plans are in place, it encourages its customers to do the same. In preparation for severe weather events, customers are encouraged to:
- Have an emergency communications plan in place detailing how you will stay connected and including important contact information for family members.
- Gather and protect important documents and records.
- Learn necessary evacuation routes.
- Stock up on emergency supplies including bottled water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, batteries and a first aid kit.
During a storm or severe weather event, commercial power outages may interrupt Internet and network services, which are dependent on electricity. As electric service providers begin restoring power, they typically prioritize emergency responders and hospitals ahead of other customers. The company encourages customers to be prepared for interruptions in Internet service that may be related to commercial power availability.
More information on Consolidated’s storm and disaster support and emergency preparedness plan is available at consolidated.com/prepare.