10th June 2015
Following on from US National Hurricane Preparedness Week in May, we at Satcom Global wanted to play our part in helping to ensure that you know how to keep your family and businesses connected and protected as the hurricane season begins.
Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a below normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2015, which officially runs from June 1 - November 30. However, even a below normal season could see up to 11 named storms with over 39 mph winds, with up to half of these storms becoming hurricanes with winds of over 74 mph. There is also a chance that some of these named storms will develop into major hurricanes measuring a Category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher.
Subsequent to the release of the predictions, the NOAA have published cautionary warnings that even a “below-normal season can still produce catastrophic impacts to communities”. The destruction can cause damage to homes, businesses and also infrastructure, including our everyday land and cellular communication systems which face service overload as well as outages, preventing communities from staying in touch in times of emergency.
At Satcom Global, our portfolio of Inmarsat, Iridium and Thuraya satellite solutions brings vital voice and SMS services, as well as reliable data communications, to disaster zones during and after hurricanes when other services fail. An emergency backup satellite phone, compact portable satellite antenna or Wi-Fi Hotspot to turn your smartphone into a satellite solution such as the Iridium Go!, allows you to stay in touch both outdoors and indoors protected from the elements.
If you live or work in an area prone to hurricanes, it is crucial to be prepared and check your emergency supplies in advance, as its often too late once severe weather warnings are announced. Not only does this include basic supplies such as water, food and first aid kits, but it also means ensuring your backup communications are in optimal working condition for when you need them. Ideally, those in vulnerable regions such as coastal areas, should secure backup satcoms solutions prior to a hurricane hitting, making them available for immediate deployment in the aftermath, irrespective of any transport restrictions and travel problems caused by damage to infrastructure.
Our Top Tips
- Charge your satellite phone battery once a month and purchase a back-up battery
- Check your subscription or credit balance and top-up if necessary
- Test your phone regularly, especially if you have not used it for some time
Testing Your Satellite Phone
- Iridium – Make your free test call from your Iridium 9555, Iridium Extreme 9575 or Iridium 9505A, by dialling 00-1-480-752-5105.
- Inmarsat - If your Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro has been out of use for a period of time, please make a free test call from your phone by dialling: +870 776 999 999.
- Thuraya - Dial 11 11 2 to test your Thuraya XT LITE, Thuraya XT PRO, Thuraya XT and Thuraya SatSleeve satellite phones. Upon dialling this number, a short confirmation message will be played and if you can hear the message it means your phone is in working condition and your subscription is valid.
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