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Health & Fitness

AT&T Prepares for Hurricane Sandy, Offers Tips to Residents

As Hurricane Sandy makes her way up the East Coast, AT&T is ready to respond quickly. AT&T has already deployed its Network Disaster Recovery teams and how tips on how you can stay prepared too.

As Hurricane Sandy makes her way up the East Coast, AT&T is ready to respond quickly. AT&T has already deployed its Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) team, which is a preparedness team that will take on restoration efforts after the storm. They have a nationwide arsenal of equipment which includes more than 320 technology and equipment trailers that can be quickly deployed to respond to events, such as hurricanes. The team works closely with local AT&T network personnel, regional Emergency Operations Centers and Local Response Centers to restore and maintain service until permanent repairs can be made.

The team has already taken proactive measures such as topping off fuel tanks for generators at cell sites, installing high-capacity back-up batteries and distributing portable generators.

Just as AT&T prepares its networks and personnel, the company encourages residents to consider the following recommendations in preparation for the storm:

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  • 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 using your car charger to charge your device 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 baggie or some other type of protective covering.
  • Have a family communication plan in place. Designate someone out of the area as a central contact, and make certain that all family members know who to contact if they get separated. Most importantly, practice your emergency plan in advance.
  • 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.
  • 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 keep updated with local radar and severe weather alerts through apps such as AccuWeather or The Weather Channel.
  • Take advantage of location-based mapping technology.  Services such as AT&T Navigator and AT&T FamilyMapcan 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.
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