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Press Release -- October 29th, 2012
Source: CenturyLink
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CenturyLink prepares for Hurricane Sandy and urges customers to prepare as well

MONROE, La. –CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE:CTL, news, filings) is ready and committed to protecting its communications services as Hurricane Sandy prepares to make landfall on the east coast. The company is carefully monitoring its facilities and network and has crews ready should service be impacted.

CenturyLink has taken the necessary steps to respond to the storm and be ready with recovery efforts. These steps include:

  • Deploying generators to areas within CenturyLink service territories that are likely to be impacted. These will be used to maintain service in the event of an extended electrical outage.
  • Putting employees and contractors throughout CenturyLink’s eastern region on standby in the event they are needed. Following the storm, employees will respond to any outages and begin to restore service once it is deemed safe for them to do so.
  • Working closely with governmental leaders, emergency responders and others to stay informed on the impact from the storm.

The company also encourages customers to activate an emergency communications plan to help their family stay connected during the storm. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), knowing the right actions to take can help reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

CenturyLink encourages customers to be prepared by keeping at least one corded telephone in the home that does not need electrical power. All cordless telephones need a power source and will not work during power outages. Customers can obtain telephones that do not need commercial power at CenturyLink retail locations or other major retailers.

Many experts also say a detailed communications plan plays one of the biggest roles in helping families stay connected to each other and emergency contacts during a natural disaster, such as hurricanes and floods.

Once a communications plan is created, these additional steps are recommended:

  • Compile a “Ready-to-Go Kit” in case your family needs to leave your home and a “Ready-to-Stay Kit” in case your family needs to stay inside your home for an extended period of time. Kits should contain water, canned or non-perishable food items, can opener, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, change of clothes, first aid supplies, cash and important prescription medications. Don’t forget glasses and/or contact lens supplies if needed.
  • Keep vital documents in a fire and waterproof case so you can take them with you if you have to leave.
  • Designate a safe meeting place outside your home and out of harm’s way.
  • Designate a safe place to stay in your home in case of severe weather.
  • Teach your children how to use the phone to call for help.
  • Locate and test your emergency corded landline phone.
  • Don’t forget to plan for family pets in case you have to leave home or are shut in for an extended period of time.

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the United States and is recognized as a leader in the network services market by technology industry analyst firms. The company is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and hosted IT solutions for enterprise customers. CenturyLink provides data, voice and managed services in local, national and select international markets through its high-quality advanced fiber optic network and multiple data centers for businesses and consumers. The company also offers advanced entertainment services under the CenturyLinkTM PrismTM TV and DIRECTV brands. Headquartered in Monroe, La., CenturyLink is an S&P 500 company and is included among the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest corporations. For more information, visit www.centurylink.com.

For further information: Stephanie Meisse, 419-755-8433 stephanie.n.meisse@centurylink.com

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