Hurricane Communications Preparedness Checklist
Be Ready When Disaster Strikes.
When a storm hits and primary and secondary communication systems are down, Expedition Communications is there to make sure that your team is ready. From satellite phones during the storm to flyaway systems after the storm ends, MobilSat has the equipment and the expertise that your team needs.
Preparation is just as important as the response- you must make sure that all of your equipment is ready to be deployed and that your team is properly trained on how to use the equipment. Once needed, there is no room for error. Make sure everything, and everyone, is ready before, during, and after the storm.
- Does your crew have satellite phones prepared for when phone lines go down?
Check to ensure that all personnel have one ready and operational and are trained in their use. - Has your satellite system been tested recently?
Don’t wait until the emergency- we recommend testing your satellite system monthly to ensure smooth, functional operations once it is needed. - Does your existing service plan still cover all of your needs?
Think about your potential bandwidth requirements and make sure that whichever plan you have will give you the coverage that you need. - Do you have sufficient gasoline reserves for your emergency equipment?
What about batteries? Make sure to check inventory on all of these important resources prior to an emergency. - How does your location affect the kind of satellite system you should have?
Mobil Satellite Technologies offers flyaway satellite system purchases, seasonal rentals, and short-term rentals depending on the needs of our customers and their accessibility. If you are in a location that is not easily reached (such as an island or low-lying peninsula) take that into consideration when deciding between short-term rental, seasonal rental, and purchase. - Is your whole crew up to date on your hurricane strategy?
No? Time to review. Yes? Great, but consider reviewing it again. It is imperative that your whole team knows exactly what is expected of them once disaster strikes, and the only way to ensure that is with repeated, comprehensive training.
Common Emergency Communications Mistakes
The right equipment, the wrong training
No matter what kind of equipment you have, it means nothing if your team can’t operate it. Learn the ins and outs of your communications systems, and work with our technical support team to ensure proper operation. Test at least quarterly to ensure everything is in fine working order.
Cutting costs in years without storms
There is no way around it- emergency communication systems are, ideally, left unused. Though it may be tempting to reduce the budget by getting rid of something that hasn’t been touched in years, remember why you have it- and what could happen if you need it but no longer have it.
Waiting to call in the equipment order
When a storm is about to hit, we receive order requests that often deplete our inventory. Depending on how long you wait, there may be no more flyaway satellite antennas left or we may be unable to get them to you through the storm. Reserve your equipment early to avoid being left without.
In closing, it is not enough to have your equipment stored away and waiting for a rainy day. You must prepare in advance. If it has been a while since you examined the data plans on your hardware and/or you haven’t had your equipment serviced recently, reach out and talk with a team member.