Creating a Plan During National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month which is a great reminder to ready your home for any unexpected emergencies. In recent years, the United States has experienced historic highs for extreme weather events and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2024. Whether it’s a hurricane, power outage, or other unforeseen event, being prepared can make all the difference. Here are steps you can take to be ready for any situation, including how to handle a loss of internet.
Create a Family Emergency Plan
The first step in being prepared is to have a plan in place. A Family Emergency Plan outlines what to do, where to go, and how to communicate during an emergency. Consider the following for family’s emergency plan:
- Communication Strategy: Designate a primary and secondary method of communication in case of an emergency. Ensure everyone knows how to use these methods, whether it’s texting, calling, or using a communication app. Also, identify an out-of-town contact who can help coordinate if local communication lines are down.
- Meeting Points: Choose two meeting spots – one near your home and one outside your neighborhood. This ensures that if one area is unsafe, you have an alternative location to reunite.
- Emergency Contacts List: Compile a list of important contacts, including family members, neighbors, local emergency services, and utility companies.
- Evacuation Plan: Identify evacuation routes from your home, neighborhood, and city. Practice these routes with your family so everyone is familiar with them.
Assemble a Digital Emergency Supply Kit
Having the right supplies on hand can make a huge difference during an emergency. Your emergency supply kit should be tailored to your family’s specific needs and include medications, clothing, food and water. Your digital emergency kit should also include:
- Portable Batteries: Power banks can help you keep your devices charged during a loss of electricity. Keep portable batteries charged and stored with extra cables.
- Surge Protectors: During emergencies like power outages or storms, power surges can occur. Protect your electronics by employing surge protectors which will divert excess voltage.
- Password Management System: Keep passwords secure and organized by using a password manager. Having your passwords stored in one secure location will make it easier to access them, particularly during an emergency situation.
- Tools and Supplies: A flashlight, extra batteries, a multi-purpose tool, and local maps are essential.
Prepare for a Loss of Internet
Families rely heavily on the internet for communication, work, and entertainment. A sudden loss of internet can be disorienting, especially in a crisis. Here’s how to prepare:
- Download Important Information: Before an emergency strikes, download essential documents and information to your devices. This includes emergency plans, maps, contact lists, and any relevant local guides. Ensure these files are accessible offline.
- Have a Hard Copy Backup: Print out copies of critical documents, maps, and emergency contacts. Keep these in your emergency supply kit. In the event of a prolonged internet outage, these hard copies will be invaluable.
- 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. To find the nearest hotspot location in your city, please search the WiFi Hotspot Map. Enter your zip code, zoom in on the interactive map to view the results, and click on the locations for details.
Only with Xfinity, Storm-Ready WiFi allows customers to stay online during power and network outages with up to four hours of Battery Backup. Storm-Ready WiFi stays up and running even when the power is down. The device automatically switches to a backup 4G LTE cellular network to keep your home online, and even on those bright, sunny days, it extends your WiFi network by reducing dead spots.
Stay Informed
Emergencies are unpredictable, so staying informed and adaptable is key. Monitor local news, weather reports, and official alerts from authorities. Here are some ways to staying up to date:
- Emergency Apps: Many government agencies and organizations offer apps that provide real-time updates on weather, traffic, and emergency situations. The Red Cross has an app that alerts users to nearby disasters and offers advice on what to do.
- Xfinity App: 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.
- Social Media: Follow local emergency management agencies on social media platforms. These organizations often post updates during a crisis. For local updates on your Xfinity service, follow us on X at @ComcastFLand on Facebook at @Comcast.
National Preparedness Month is the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for any emergency. By creating a comprehensive family plan, assembling an emergency supply kit, preparing for a loss of internet, and staying informed, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. For additional readiness tips visit this page.
