In The Eye Of The Storm: Reliability When It Matters Most

When Hurricane Helene made landfall in September 2024, it served as a stark reminder of nature’s power, especially its capacity to take down not only infrastructure but also crucial connectivity.

At Verizon, we believe your phone is more than a device; it’s a lifeline—your flashlight, your map, and your fastest path to help. While we prepare year-round to restore connectivity in the most challenging conditions, the best time to secure your family’s safety is before the sky turns grey.

That’s why Verizon Frontline’s Crisis Response Team stays busy on blue sky days—their members live throughout the country and stay busy testing, calibrating and preparing to run to any storm that threatens their communities. Alex Brosky, our Florida-based Crisis Response Manager (CRM), starts monitoring storms 7–10 days before they hit. The work is a natural fit for the Desert Storm veteran whose missions are now focused on keeping first responders connected. He can deploy a specialized fleet to create an “Instant Network” that includes:

• SPOT trailers: Satellite backed cell sites that provide coverage where towers are damaged.
• THOR: Tactical Humanitarian Operations Response Vehicle, a multi-tool of Verizon Frontline Crisis Response that generates a 4G and 5G network, Wi-Fi, conducts tethered drone ops to build a network, and acts as a command center.
• RRCU: Rapid Response Connectivity Unit, similar capabilities of a SPOT with a smaller footprint.

Tennessee’s CRM Jake Hayes is a certified drone pilot who operates drones that provide real-time aerial imagery for situational awareness and real-time damage assessment. His team’s work, along with Mobile 5G Hubs, supports search-and-rescue teams in impacted zones.

That’s not all. This year, Verizon is debuting Digital Twin AI modeling—a highly accurate virtual 3D model of a physical object or system - like a cell tower or a network. “It is a powerful tool for prioritizing restoration efforts and identifying subtle, customer-impacting issues like an antenna’s downtilt. This means our engineers can quickly assess damage remotely and safely, leading to faster repairs,” said Jonathan Montenegro, Senior Director of Network Operations.

They’re also ready to deploy a fleet of 2,600 satellite assets and rugged vehicles that can go deep into disaster zones and connect to two different types of satellites (high and low orbit) to get a signal where nothing else works. Read all the ways Verizon’s network is being prepared for this storm season.

And just as Verizon’s crisis experts stay ready, it’s a smart idea for people who live in hurricane-prone areas to do the same. “Beyond the essential advice to download offline maps and follow our ’100% Rule’ for charging devices, I strongly advise customers to prepare for full off-grid scenarios,” said Montenegro. “This means ensuring satellite texting capabilities are enabled, fueling your vehicles, and stocking up on propane and water for a couple of days.” According to FEMA, while nearly half of Americans prepare physical supplies, only one in five has tested a communication plan. We recommend a phased Digital Go-Bag approach to ensure you aren't left in the dark.

You’re in the storm’s Cone of Uncertainty. Now’s the time to review your checklist:

• Secure a battery backup unit(s) to power critical devices
• Take photos of essential documents and ensure they are backed up to the cloud
• Pack priceless mementos in waterproof/resistant cases

You’re under a Hurricane Watch. Time to take action.

• Download offline maps and emergency apps
• Fully charge all devices and  battery backup unit(s)
• Set up  family location sharing on phones and smart watches through the Verizon Family App
• Ensure Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your smartphone
• Familiarize yourself with satellite messaging in case you need it

Landfall is imminent. Final checks are crucial.

• Ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on all devices
• Create a list of emergency contacts, written on paper, so they can be reached from any available device

Together, we can be ready to face any disaster and make the best choices for our families’ safety.

Read for more information on Verizon Frontline.

Review the 72-hour communications survival plan.