Why Internet Preparedness Matters

Modern life depends on internet connectivity for communication, navigation, banking, insurance claims, FEMA registration, and staying informed about emergency conditions. When a hurricane strikes, the families who prepared their connectivity options in advance are able to contact loved ones, file insurance claims faster, access evacuation routes, and receive emergency updates that keep them safe.

After Hurricane Ian hit Florida in 2022, residents without prepared backup connectivity options waited an average of 8-14 days to file insurance claims and access FEMA aid applications. Those with satellite phones, portable hotspots, or charged backup devices were able to begin the recovery process within 24-48 hours. The connectivity gap directly translates into a recovery time gap.

Pre-Season Preparation Checklist (Do in May)

1. Know Your ISP's Emergency Contacts

Save these numbers in your phone and write them on paper (phones can die, contacts can be inaccessible):

• AT&T: (855) 452-1829
• Xfinity: (855) 389-1498
• Spectrum: (855) 771-1328
• Verizon Fios: (855) 452-1505
• Frontier: (855) 809-2498
• Cox: (855) 454-9498

2. Purchase Backup Power Equipment

Your internet equipment and communication devices all need electricity. Invest in these before hurricane season begins, as they sell out rapidly once storms are forecasted:

• Portable battery bank (20,000-30,000 mAh): $30-$60. Charges a smartphone 4-7 times. Look for models with USB-C Power Delivery for faster charging.
• Portable power station (500Wh+): $300-$600. Can power a modem and router for 8-12 hours, plus charge multiple devices. Brands like Jackery, EcoFlow, and Bluetti are reliable choices.
• Portable solar panel (100W): $150-$250. Pairs with a power station for indefinite renewable charging. Takes 5-8 hours to fully charge a 500Wh station in direct sunlight.
• Vehicle inverter (300W+): $30-$50. Plugs into your car's 12V outlet to power devices from your car battery. Keep your gas tank full before the storm.

3. Establish a Backup Internet Connection

Do not rely solely on your primary ISP. Consider these backup connectivity options:

Cellular hotspot device: A dedicated mobile hotspot from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon provides internet independent of your home ISP. Prepaid hotspot plans start around $30-$50/month and can be activated seasonally. Keep the device charged and stored in your emergency kit.

Starlink Roam: Starlink's portable satellite service ($165/month, pause-able) works anywhere with a clear sky view. The dish can be powered from a portable power station. This is the most reliable backup for areas prone to extended outages, though the upfront hardware cost ($599) is significant.

Neighbor and community plans: Coordinate with neighbors who have different ISPs. If your cable goes down but their fiber survives (or vice versa), sharing a hotspot can keep both households connected. Exchange Wi-Fi passwords before the storm.

4. Download Offline Essentials

Before a hurricane watch is issued, download these to your phone and a secondary device:

• Offline maps: Google Maps and Apple Maps both support offline area downloads. Download your county, evacuation routes, and destination areas.
• Insurance documents: Policy numbers, agent contact information, coverage summaries. Photograph all equipment and property.
• FEMA app: The official FEMA app includes offline disaster preparedness checklists, shelter locations, and emergency alert capabilities.
• Emergency contacts: Export your phone contacts to a PDF or printed list in case your phone is damaged.
• Medical records: Prescriptions, doctor contact information, and insurance cards (photographed).
• Financial information: Bank account numbers, credit card company phone numbers, recent statements.

5. Document Your Equipment

Photograph your modem, router, and all networking equipment including serial numbers and model numbers. This documentation is essential for insurance claims and for your ISP to replace equipment after the storm. Store photos in cloud storage AND on a local device.

When a Hurricane Watch Is Issued (48-72 Hours Out)

• Fully charge all devices: phones, tablets, laptops, battery banks, portable power stations
• Download any remaining offline content (maps, entertainment for children, audiobooks)
• Test your backup internet connection (hotspot device, Starlink dish)
• Move networking equipment away from windows and potential flood areas
• Back up important computer files to cloud storage while you still have connectivity
• Check your ISP's website or social media for pre-storm advisories
• Fill your vehicle's gas tank (needed for vehicle charging and potential evacuation)

When a Hurricane Warning Is Issued (24-36 Hours Out)

• Unplug and waterproof your modem, router, and networking equipment. Place them in sealed plastic bags and store above potential flood level.
• Disconnect coaxial and Ethernet cables from the wall to prevent surge damage through cable lines
• Activate your backup connectivity plan (power on hotspot, position Starlink dish in a sheltered but sky-visible location)
• Send a final status message to out-of-area family and friends with your expected communication plan
• Enable battery saver mode on all devices
• Download the latest weather advisory to your device for offline access

During the Storm

Conserve battery and bandwidth. Follow these guidelines:

• Switch phones to airplane mode when not actively using them, re-enabling periodically to check for messages
• Use SMS text messages instead of data-heavy apps for communication
• Limit social media browsing to preserve battery
• Use a battery-powered NOAA weather radio for updates instead of streaming
• If cellular service is available, use Wi-Fi calling when connected to any available hotspot to reduce cell congestion
• Keep one device powered off as a reserve communication tool

After the Storm Passes

When conditions are safe:

1. Assess damage before reconnecting any equipment. Check for water intrusion around outlets and cable entry points.
2. Do NOT plug in wet equipment. Allow all electronics to dry completely (48+ hours) before attempting to power on.
3. Report outages to your ISP. Most providers have automated outage reporting through their apps, which requires minimal bandwidth.
4. Use your backup connection to register with FEMA (DisasterAssistance.gov) and begin insurance claims.
5. Check for Xfinity WiFi hotspots which are typically opened to all users after declared disasters.
6. Visit community charging stations set up by local government and relief organizations.

ISP Hurricane Preparedness Programs

Several major ISPs offer specific hurricane preparedness resources:

AT&T maintains a Network Disaster Recovery team with specialized vehicles and deployable satellite equipment. Their FirstNet network prioritizes first responders but extends benefits to all customers during emergencies. Learn more at (855) 452-1829.

Xfinity has invested in hardening its network infrastructure in hurricane-prone areas, including reinforced cable nodes with battery backups and elevated equipment in flood zones. Call (855) 389-1498 for storm preparation tips.

Spectrum pre-positions repair crews and equipment in areas expected to be impacted, enabling faster restoration. Their no-data-cap policy means you never worry about overage charges during emergencies. Reach them at (855) 771-1328.

Special Considerations for Different Connection Types

Cable Internet (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox)

Cable infrastructure is moderately vulnerable. Aerial coaxial lines can be damaged by falling trees and wind, while ground-level amplifiers and nodes lose power. Recovery typically takes 3-10 days depending on damage severity.

Fiber Internet (AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, Frontier Fiber)

Fiber-optic cables are more resilient to water damage and electromagnetic interference but remain vulnerable to physical breaks from fallen trees and debris. The ONT (Optical Network Terminal) at your home requires power. Consider a small UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to keep your ONT and router running during brief power flickers.

Satellite Internet (Starlink, HughesNet, Viasat)

Satellite is the most resilient technology during hurricanes since it does not depend on ground infrastructure between your home and the provider. However, heavy rain causes signal degradation (rain fade), and dishes can be damaged by wind and debris. Secure your dish or bring portable dishes indoors during the storm. See our Satellite Internet Guide for more details.

Related Resources: Internet During a Hurricane | Satellite Internet Guide | Mountain Internet Options | Internet Speed Guide