Hurricane Season: A Guide for Businesses and Home Internet Users in Extreme Weather Conditions

In the past few months across the Midwest, Southwest, Southeastern and Eastern Kinetic communities, our customers have been rigorously tested by an onslaught of natural disasters. From devastating tornadoes that have torn through the heartland, to wildfires and then floods that have burned and submerged streets and homes in the Southwest, nature reminded us of its unrelenting power.

“We know that connections matter, especially during emergencies,” said Randy Ford, Director of Product Operations. “Kinetic continues to implement its $2 billion multi-year strategy to expand our fiber-backed network for those unserved or underserved communities. These fiber investments provide small businesses and residential customers with robust, weather-resistant internet options. With an expansive network of over 207,000 miles of fiber in place—and plans for continued expansion—we're dedicated to delivering unparalleled service to our communities.”

Natural disasters have significantly impacted the lives of hundreds of Kinetic customers, underscoring the critical importance of preparedness. As we turn our attention towards the looming hurricane season, a time marked by the potential for powerful storms and unpredictable weather patterns across the Gulf and East Coast, it’s imperative to plan right now.

This article aims to equip you with three basic strategies and tips to help you to remain connected, informed, and safe.

Where Possible Transition to Fiber InternetFiber internet's resistance to extreme weather conditions, including heat, moisture, and electromagnetic interference from lightning, makes it a superior choice for maintaining connectivity during severe weather events. Its durability and reliability can significantly minimize weather-related disruptions to your internet service.

Leverage Cloud SolutionsWhether facing weather, malfunctions, human errors, or cyber threats, safeguarding your essential data is paramount. Cloud storage offers a secure, convenient solution for data backups, ensuring that your information is protected and easily retrievable in any emergency. Moving to cloud-based solutions might seem daunting, but it's easier than you think. Modern cloud services offer intuitive, automated processes for data backup to ensure data is up-to-date and protected.

Develop a Comprehensive Digital PlanIn the digital age, preparing a comprehensive communications plan before, during, and after a hurricane is crucial for home internet users to ensure safety and maintain essential connections. Extreme weather involves planning to ensure business operations can withstand and quickly recover from disruptions. This includes establishing an emergency communication protocol to keep team members informed and exploring alternative operational methods to cope with adverse conditions. This may mean adjusting work schedules to protect employees and equipment during peak heat hours.

Home internet users, especially those working remotely, should also consider similar adjustments to maintain productivity and protect their devices. Identifying key contacts, including family members, friends, local emergency services, and utility providers, and share this list with everyone in your household. Establish primary and alternative communication methods, such as text messages, social media check-ins, or emergency messaging apps, recognizing that traditional phone lines and cell services may be unreliable.

Before the storm hits, confirm that all devices are fully charged and backup power sources, like portable battery packs or solar chargers, are readily available. Additionally, subscribe to local emergency alerts and download necessary apps to receive real-time updates. Post-hurricane, prioritize reaching out to your key contacts to confirm safety and share updates. Remember, your digital communications plan should be flexible, accommodating the fast-changing nature of hurricanes and the potential impact on communication infrastructure.

Kinetic stands ready to assist our customers in minimizing disruptions. Our commitment to Quality should enable customers to focus on what truly matters—whether that's running your business or staying connected with loved ones—without the added worry of weather-induced interruptions.

“Our commitment to our customers is real – we were there in the community before the storm, we’ll be there after the storm because we live there too,” said Rich Murtha, Kinetic’s Senior Engineer. “If storms do impact our service in your community, you should know that Kinetic will be right there, working right alongside your first responders and local authorities to restore service as quickly and safely as possible. I can’t guarantee storms won’t damage service in the area, but I will guarantee that my technicians and I will be right there beside you working to rebuild.”

Preparation is key to navigating the challenges of extreme weather. By adopting these strategies, both businesses and home internet users can ensure continuity and resilience, no matter what the weather brings.

Summer is all about longer days, vacations, backyard BBQs and, unfortunately, hurricanes. Thousands of Kinetic home-internet and small business customers live within 100 miles of a coastline and now’s the time to prepare.