Comcast Prepares for Tropical Storm Andrea

Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Updated

Comcast Prepares for Tropical Storm Andrea

Emergency plans are activated for the Panhandle area

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As Tropical Storm Andrea tracks northeastward closer to the Florida coast, Comcast is currently busy executing its area wide emergency operations plan. Whenever an area is put under Tropical Storm Warnings, Comcast invokes an emergency operations plan; a process which ensures that after the storm passes restoration work can begin as quickly as possible.


Before a storm event occurs, Comcast:

  • Stages support personnel and supplies in the area so that resources are readily available for necessary restoration work immediately after a storm passes

  • Deploys and services backup generators to power our video and data distribution sites should they lose commercial power

  • Arranges for sister call centers throughout the nation to assist customers in an impacted market as needed

  • Readies all emergency and back up equipment

"As we prepare for a major tropical system, our emergency plans focus on putting in place all of the resources we need to immediately address any storm-related service issues so that we can take care of our customers," said Comcast Area Vice President for North Florida, Debbie Brainard. "We will have the capability to deploy our field employees where they are needed the most should a storm like Andrea hit the area."

Brainard points out emergency restoration procedures in Florida dictate that cable service can be repaired as soon as the power companies have restored power and made sure the area is safe. Downed power lines can cause dangerous conditions, so an area must be surveyed and cleared by power company personnel before an all clear is given and restoration work on communications lines can begin.

Brainard also notes that when electricity goes down, so do many communications and Internet services.

"Within hours of the storm's passage we will deploy assessment teams throughout the affected areas," said Brainard. "As soon as it's safe to begin making repairs Comcast crews will be out there in force with the resources needed to restore service as quickly as possible. We realize that the cable, Internet and telephone services we provide are very important communications tools for our customers. We will be doing everything possible to make sure our services are up and running before, during and after a storm passes."

About Comcast Cable

Comcast Cable is the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.



Comcast Cable
Mindy Kramer, 561-227-4286
Vice President of Public Relations
mindy_kramer@cable.comcast.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America Florida

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

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