Tyler Reporter

Consolidated Communications issued the following announcement.

Company is prepared to respond and advises residents in storm-prone areas not to wait and to take precautions now.                                                                                                    PORT ST. JOE, Fla. and CONROE, Texas – May 19, 2020 – In advance of the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, Consolidated Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSL), a leading broadband and business communications provider, is ready to activate its emergency preparedness protocols and disaster response plans in the event of severe weather in its service area.

The Company plans for a wide variety of emergencies and maintains a watchful eye on storm-related and severe weather that could potentially affect the reliability and dependability of its communication services across all markets, including its Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Texas service areas. When needed, the Company will initiate its Emergency Response Center and take immediate action to address customer needs. 

“Our customers’ connectivity is more important than ever,” said Tom White, chief technology officer at Consolidated Communications. “We are continuously investing in our network and refining our emergency preparedness plans to ensure the reliability of our services, particularly during critical times. Should a severe weather event occur, we are prepared to restore services as soon as is safely possible.”

Consolidated’s emergency preparedness plans include:

• Ensuring all back-up power supplies and generators are fully operational;
• Ensuring availability of fuel for both fleet and emergency generators throughout the duration of and following a storm;
• Taking inventory of supplies needed for plant and network restoration and supplementing where necessary;
• Placing emergency network supplies throughout company facilities; and
• Double-checking all safety equipment and supplies are in place.

As the company prepares and ensures appropriate plans are in place, it encourages its customers to do the same while making certain personal safety is of the highest priority.

In preparation for severe weather events, customers are encouraged to:

• Have an emergency communications plan in place detailing how you will stay connected and including important contact information for family members.
• Gather and protect important documents and records.
• Learn necessary evacuation routes.
• Stock up on emergency supplies including bottled water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, batteries and a first aid kit.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, customers are reminded that additional planning and supplies may also be needed. Waiting to secure necessary items is not recommended given changes in product availability and delivery delays.

More information on Consolidated’s storm and disaster support and emergency preparedness plan is available on its website at http://www.consolidated.com/prepare.

Original source can be found here.