NEWS RELEASE
Feb. 7, 2013
Media Contact:
Sabina Haskell
802.658.7351
shaskell@fairpoint.com
Emergency teams on alert for potential storm damage
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (February 7, 2013) – FairPoint Communications, a leading telecommunications provider in northern New England, is readying resources, operations and support personnel and materials and supplies to respond to Winter Storm Nemo in Vermont, particularly southeastern Vermont.
FairPoint’s network is backed up by generators and batteries to help ensure uninterrupted telephone service. FairPoint’s emergency planning team also is positioning crews and supplies – poles, cable and other equipment – for rapid deployment should they be needed.
“Communications are vital before, during and after a storm,” said Karen Mead, senior vice president of operations for FairPoint. “We’re ready for what Nemo may bring.”
Latest reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict that Winter Storm Nemo will have a direct impact on Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, bringing gusty winds, potential blizzard-like conditions and as much as 2 feet of snow in the southern parts of the states.
“People should plan for power interruptions and use their plug-in corded phone to stay connected with friends and family or call for help if the need arises,” Mead said. Cordless phones will not work if the electric power goes out, absent battery back-up.
During severe storms and massive power outages, FairPoint voice mail customers have been able to store and retrieve calls while answering machines that rely on electrically generated power may not work absent battery back-up, Mead added.
Tips for preparing for major storms
Gather the following:
· Water to last three to seven days.
· An alternate communication plan to stay in touch with family.
· Non-perishable food to last three to seven days.
· Blankets and pillows for the entire family.
· All necessary medicines, prescription drugs, and a first-aid kit.
· Radio, flashlight, and plenty of batteries.
· A phone book for numbers you might otherwise have stored electronically.
You’ll also want to:
· Locate a traditional landline phone—corded, not cordless.
· Fully charge your cell phone, find the car charger, and fill up the car with gas.
Tips for after storm hits:
· Call FairPoint and alert them if you have lost service, FairPoint personnel will be on hand 24/7 to take your outage report.
· DO NOT TOUCH or move a downed phone or power lines, or anything in contact with those lines! You cannot tell whether a line is electrified or not. Stay at least 50 feet away!
· Remember to use your corded landline phone to test for service; cordless phones will not work during a power outage.
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Please stop this foolish winter storm naming! This is a product of the Weather Channel and their new owners NBC, i.e. Comcast. It is not recognized by NOAA or anyone else other than “silly tv suckers”. What is the snow coming from the Northwest low right now called? Daft? And when Nemo and Daft combine? Big Daft Nemo?
Stop being DAFT!
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A friendly reminder to folks who have FP DSL service but do not use the wireless functionality that, by default, is enabled on their modem. You should disable this service, especially if the modem is located within 10 feet of your desk area, to limit your microwave exposure. The wifi transmits 24/7 even if you have no wireless devices in range. Ethernet cables may not be glamorous, but they make your network more secure and eliminate the electrosmog emitted from your modem.
I couldn’t find this info on FP’s website, but the microwave transmitter can be disabled through the modem settings by entering http://192.168.1.1 into a browser. Default username and password are “admin” and “password” respectively. The setting is under “wireless” and “basic setup.” Click “disable” and then click “apply” at the bottom of the wireless settings page. Your settings may vary.
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelessfaqs/f/router-wifi-off.htm
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There are NO provisions for those without alternative means of heating their homes. Frozen/bursting pipes are a big problem. Many cannot afford to have a hard-wired generator. Estimates of cost are $5000 plus.
This is just one of many emergency issues where it is every-man-for-himself. A supply of generators that could be rented in case of emergencies would help. VT Emergency Management…anybody there?