Storms, natural disasters and other types of emergencies are becoming more commonplace. Comcast has tips to help you stay connected in an emergency.
If you are an Xfinity customer, you can start by downloading our free mobile apps:
- Xfinity — Get updates on outages, report service interruptions, view a map of all available Xfinity WiFi hotspots and securely auto-connect to them.
- Xfinity Stream — View live TV, get weather updates, and download shows and movies beforehand to watch offline in case you lose power.
Accessible via the Xfinity Stream app, NOW TV includes 40+ live channels from A&E, AMC, Hallmark and Warner Bros. Discovery, plus 20+ integrated FAST channels from NBC, Sky and Xumo Play. NOW TV customers also receive a subscription to Peacock Premium at no additional cost.
Recently, Xfinity launched its Storm-Ready WiFi device, which can provide up to four hours of connectivity in the event the power goes out during a storm or outage. The first Internet Provider to offer a product designed to maintain connectivity when the power goes out or there’s a service outage, the new Storm-Ready WiFi device is equipped with cellular back-up and a rechargeable battery with more than enough power to keep customers up and running over the course of an average power outage, which is two hours in the U.S. **
Make sure you and your family are cyber-ready for disasters, too. Here are some helpful planning tips:
- Use text messages, social media and email over WiFi to communicate with family and friends if mobile networks become overwhelmed.
- Have additional charging options, such as batteries and portable phone chargers. Be sure to keep them dry.
- Update and keep track of your usernames and passwords.
- Store important documents on secure, password-protected jump drives or in the cloud.
- Back-up your computer to protect photos and other important electronic documents.
- Keep your contacts updated and synced across all of your channels and devices.
If you’re a Comcast Business customer, here are a few steps you can take to help prepare for potential service interruptions:
- Comcast Business Connection Pro provides you with a 4G LTE backup router that takes over if your main Internet service provider fails.
- Comcast Business Mobile allows employees to connect to a 5G network, or one of the millions of secure Comcast Business WiFi hotspots nationwide. Keeping your phone network mobile allows you to connect with customers during a storm or other type of emergency.
- Comcast Business App provides real-time service updates and text alerts.
Xfinity WiFi Hotspots:
Xfinity has millions of WiFi hotspots throughout our service area to make sure you’re always connected. These hotspots give you fast, convenient WiFi and are free to Xfinity Mobile customers and eligible Xfinity Internet, Comcast Business Internet and Internet Essentials customers. Just look for the “xfinitywifi” or “XFINITY” SSID and login with your credentials when prompted.
By being prepared in advance, you are giving your family, friends, and employees the tools they need to be ready before, during, and after disasters.
** The U.S. Energy Information Administration: https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=50316#:~:text=When%20major%20events%20are%20excluded,vegetation%20patterns%2C%20and%20utility%20practices
