MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed), C Spire says its crews and equipment are ready as Isaias heads for the Gulf Coast this weekend. The Mississippi phone and internet company wants to keep families, first responders and local communities connected during the storm.
Forecasters expect Isaias to come ashore late Friday or early Saturday. The National Weather Service in Jackson says heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds are possible well inland. That includes the Meridian area.
What C Spire Is Doing
C Spire turned on its Severe Weather Protocol on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Under that plan, technicians and repair teams are on standby. The company is also staging portable generators, fuel and supplies so crews can move quickly.
Most C Spire network sites already have backup batteries and generators. In addition, teams are watching the network 24 hours a day from the company’s network center. C Spire says it is working with state and local emergency agencies, cities and law enforcement.
The company also says it is ready to start its larger Emergency Response Plan if needed. That plan guides where workers and equipment go during a crisis.
“We know how important it is for the families, first responders, and communities that depend on us for their connectivity to have reliable service during severe weather,” said Alan Jones, C Spire’s chief network officer. “Our team is ready to respond at a moment’s notice with the people, equipment, and plans needed to keep our customers connected.”
Lessons From Winter Storm Fern
C Spire’s last big test came in January. Winter Storm Fern dropped more than an inch of ice across parts of north Mississippi. As a result, power went out in many communities. According to the company, backup power kept about 420 wireless sites online. More than 200 generators and battery systems helped make that happen.
How You Can Stay Connected
Storms can knock out power for hours or even days. C Spire recommends these simple steps:
- Charge your phone and other devices fully now.
- Charge portable battery packs and keep them close.
- Turn on low power mode if the power goes out. This helps your battery last longer.
- Send text messages when you can. Texts put less strain on the network than phone calls.
- Keep emergency alerts turned on.
“Preparation is everything,” Jones said. “We are focused on having the right people, the right equipment, and the right plans in place ahead of time so we can respond quickly and help our communities withstand the storm and aid in recovery.”
Look Out for Your Neighbors
Before the storm arrives, check on elderly neighbors and anyone who lives alone. Also, think about people who rely on power for medical equipment. If your power goes out, report it to your electric provider, such as East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA) or Mississippi Power.
Queen City Newsfeed will keep you updated as Isaias moves through east Mississippi.
