2019 Hurricane Season: Preparation and Response

As of June 1, the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season has begun. IP Access is prepared to provide end-to-end communications services, including VSAT terminals and satellite bandwidth access to support vital communications needed if terrestrial-based infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. With high-speed service available from our multi-satellite Select Network, there is no reason any critical network within the US should remain unprepared.

For 2019, NOAA predicts a likely range of 9 to 15 named storms, of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes, including 2 to 4 major hurricanes. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes.

Throughout hurricane season, IP Access actively monitors the weather as a daily routine to stay ahead of these developing storms and their potential tracks. Once a disaster is in view or has struck, having communications equipment on-hand is critical. Planning to meet the recovery efforts needed for natural or other disasters should include advance purchases of equipment and service for first responders, public safety agencies and others called upon for emergency communications support.

Since Hurricanes are fiercely monitored and we have the ability to narrow down the region and time frame in which they will make landfall, below is a breakdown of what to expect from IP Access in the days leading up to the storm.

1 Week Before hurricane makes landfall

We are reaching out to our customers, reviewing their communications needs and ensuring they have absolutely everything they need in order to assure their safety and ability to carry out their mission.

3-5 Days before hurricane makes Landfall

Determining what can be staged locally vs. what can be physically brought in after the disaster – conventional VSAT assets such as flyaway VSAT antennas, mobile command centers/trailers, etc. Everything needs to be considered – possible options for relocation of resources and a well thought out list of critical requirements. Fixed satellite communications terminals would typically be installed in cases where the equipment is required for longer than one week, including pre-disaster applications as well as post-disaster recovery operations. In the event that our Maryland teleport is in the storm’s path, we will initiate our procedures to seamlessly migrate services to one of our other teleport facilities.

2-3 Days before hurricane makes Landfall

Generators and backup power systems at our teleports have been serviced and topped off with fuel in the event of extended power outages. Customers are made aware of all equipment we have available (anything that is not currently rented or retained by existing customers) For customers: 48+ hours in advance needed for any additional equipment needs.

1 Day before hurricane makes Landfall

IP Access operations team monitors all weather activity and customer site performance closely to proactively identify any potential issues.

During AND AFTER THE STORM

During and after the storm, IP Access remains on alert to receive urgent requests for satellite equipment and services. We continue to monitor all network activity and customer requirements. Additional bandwidth and other resources are added as needed to meet customer requirements. The post-storm period is when we experience the greatest demand for services as recovery efforts begin in areas with damaged infrastructure. To support this demand we continue to be available for support and additional resources.

Consider This

Year after year we see a scramble for rentals during a state of emergency; to reiterate what other leaders in the industry have pointed out in the recent months – the pool of available rental equipment simply isn’t large enough to accommodate demand. Just as we prepare our network, solutions, and personnel, IP Access encourages customers to consider the following in the wake of Hurricane Season. When looking at your emergency communication readiness the five main questions to ask yourself are:

• Do you have an emergency comms solution you can deploy at a moment’s notice?
• Is this system able to get everywhere you need it to?
• Has the system been online and tested recently?
• Do you have trained technicians who know how to operate and do basic troubleshooting?
• Is your contracted bandwidth enough to cover your operation needs?

If you answer NO to any of these questions and you are a current IP Access customer we are more than happy to assist with getting your system prepared for response. Contact your IPA Executive today or e-mail us at info@ipinternational.net. If you are not an IP Access customer but would like to learn more about our services, please schedule a demo at your earliest opportunity at info@ipinternational.net.

The time to prepare is now. Don’t wait until it’s too late