Is Disaster Recovery on Your Radar?
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, we see affected communities come together to help one another through the challenges of restoring their lives and livelihoods. Depending on the severity of the disaster, entire towns can go without power for weeks on end, leaving them exposed to the elements and unable to cook, wash, or reach out to family and response orgs for aid – further compounding the difficulty of the already traumatic situation. That’s why restoring community staples like the local cafe, general store, and hotels that can provide the creature comforts like warm food, air conditioning, and internet access is critical to getting everyone through the toughest initial phases of restoration. Though returning to normalcy can be daunting, there are ways to bridge the gap until things return to their pre- disaster operational levels.
Restoring Your Community During Disaster Recovery
As the restoration and clean-up efforts are underway, there are a few key strategies that improve community morale in the immediate days after a disaster. Local government should, first and foremost, take steps to ensure there is somewhere for the community to get a warm meal and get internet access to be able to contact friends/family as well as access resources like FEMA.
This typically looks like propping up one or several kitchens spread out across the affected area with generators to get food served as needed. These kitchens should also be equipped to provide Wi-Fi to patrons seeking aid and resources.
Another strategy we see is cities and townships setting up a community Wi-Fi hotspot with free public access, often using a high-capacity cellular router set up in a school bus that broadcasts to the nearby area – similar to what we saw provided to underserved communities during COVID-19.
These provisions make the toughest initial phases more comfortable while repairs get underway and gain momentum.
What Will a Cellular Router Do for You?
- Reliable Connectivity When Wired Networks Fail:
Hurricanes often cause widespread damage to infrastructure, including wired internet connections. A cellular router can maintain internet connectivity through mobile networks, which are often restored faster than wired services. This ensures you stay connected even when traditional internet lines are down.
- Emergency Communication:
After a hurricane, communication is crucial for coordinating rescue operations, contacting loved ones, and accessing critical information. A cellular router enables reliable internet access, ensuring that you can communicate via email, social media, or messaging apps.
- Remote Work and Business Continuity:
For businesses, maintaining operations during and after a disaster is vital. A cellular router allows employees to work remotely, ensuring that essential business functions can continue without interruption. This minimizes downtime and helps in quicker recovery.
- Access to Real-Time Information:
Staying informed during a crisis is essential. A cellular router provides access to real-time updates from weather services, government agencies, and news outlets. This information can be critical for making timely decisions regarding safety and recovery efforts.
- Support for Emergency Services:
Emergency services, such as medical teams and disaster response units, rely on robust communication networks to coordinate their efforts. A cellular router ensures that these teams have reliable internet access for communication, accessing vital information, and deploying resources effectively.
- Backup Power and Portability:
Many cellular routers come with battery backup options, allowing them to function even during power outages. Their portability means they can be easily moved to different locations as needed, providing flexible and adaptable internet access in various situations.
- Secure Connectivity:
Modern cellular routers often come with advanced security features, ensuring that data transmission remains secure even during chaotic situations. This is particularly important for protecting sensitive information during a disaster response.
- Easy Setup and Deployment:
Cellular routers are relatively easy to set up and deploy, making them ideal for emergency situations. They can be quickly activated to provide immediate internet access, helping communities and businesses to recover faster.
Devices Commonly Used in Post-Disaster Restoration Efforts
In summary, a cellular router is a versatile and reliable tool for maintaining internet connectivity during and after a hurricane. Its ability to provide continuous, secure, and portable internet access can be invaluable in ensuring safety, communication, and business continuity in the aftermath of a disaster.
If you need help setting up your network for disaster recovery, give us a call: 813-751-2039