AT&T Ready for Hurricane Earl in New Jersey

Published on Friday, 03 September 2010 07:10 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

Offers Communications Tips for Consumers and Businesses

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced it stands ready for the impact of Hurricane Earl, as it passes to the east of New Jersey, with an arsenal of disaster response equipment and personnel that enable a quick response post landfall. To help local consumers and businesses prepare, AT&T is also providing important communications tips for use before, during and after the storm.

AT&T has invested more than $500 million in its Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) organization since it was formed. The NDR function includes more than 300 technology and support trailers that AT&T is able to deploy quickly to respond to disaster situations such as severe hurricanes.

A critical element of AT&T's efforts to maximize network reliability is its ability to respond swiftly when disaster strikes, made possible by extensive preparations. These include: ongoing readiness drills, topping off fuel at generators positioned at cell sites and switching centers, testing high-capacity back-up batteries, distributing additional portable generators, adding capacity to the wireless network as able, and staging of additional emergency response equipment in strategic locations near the anticipated landfall area.

AT&T continues to enhance network redundancy in hurricane-prone areas. These efforts include installation of more back-up and permanent generators at critical cell sites and switching facilities, location of critical equipment to less vulnerable areas, upgrade of electronics in many locations, replacement of copper wiring with fiber optic cable, elevation of switches critical to network operations above expected flood levels and protection of physical facilities against flooding.

AT&T offers the following recommendations for consumers and small business owners before and after the storm hits:

AT&T Tips:

• Be sure you have a "hurricane phone." It's a good idea to have a wireless phone on hand and at least one corded (landline) telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case of a power outage.
• Program all of your emergency contact numbers and e-mail addresses into your mobile phone. Numbers should include the police department, fire station and hospital, as well as your family members.
• Keep your wireless phone batteries charged at all times. Have an alternative plan to recharge your battery in case of a power outage, such as charging your wireless device by using your car charger or having extra mobile phone batteries on hand.
• Keep your wireless phone dry. The biggest threat to your device during a hurricane is water, so keep your equipment safe from the elements by storing it in a plastic bag or some other type of protective covering.
• Track the storm and access weather information on your wireless device. Many homes lose power during severe weather. If you have a wireless device that provides access to the Internet, you can watch weather reports through AT&T Mobile TV or keep updated with local radar and severe weather alerts through My-Cast® Weather, if you subscribe to those services.
• Camera phones provide assistance. If you have a camera phone, take, store and send photos — and even video clips — of damaged property to your insurance company from your device.
• Take advantage of location-based mapping technology.  Services such as AT&T Navigator and AT&T FamilyMap can help you seek evacuation routes or avoid traffic congestion from downed trees or power lines, as well as track a family member's wireless device in case you get separated.

Maximizing Service During and After a Hurricane:

• During an emergency, many people are trying to use their phones at the same time. The increased calling volume may create network congestion, leading to "fast busy" signals on your wireless phone or a slow dial tone on your landline phone. If this happens, hang up, wait several seconds and then try the call again. This allows your original call data to clear the network before you try again.
• Try text messaging. During an emergency situation, text messages may go through more quickly than voice calls because they require fewer network resources. All of AT&T's wireless devices are text messaging capable. Depending on your data or text plan, additional charges may apply.
• Keep non-emergency calls to a minimum. If there is severe weather, chances are many people will be attempting to place calls to loved ones, friends and business associates.

Additional information and tips for disaster preparedness can be found at www.att.com/vitalconnections.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine. 

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz  to discover more about our small business services.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.