CenturyLink initiates preparedness efforts ahead of Hurricane Joaquin, encourages local residents to be prepared

Carlisle, Pa. – CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE:CTL, news, filings) is prepared in the event that Hurricane Joaquin impacts its customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia. The company has plans and resources in place to keep services operational during the hurricane, and to restore any disrupted services due to damaged lines and equipment as quickly as possible.

Preparations include:

• Readying emergency crews
• Fueling portable generators
• Establishing storm checklists
• Contacting governmental agencies and first responders
• Initiating a real-time command center for CenturyLink employees to stay in communication throughout the storm’s impact

“CenturyLink takes pride in its history of ensuring the reliability and resiliency of our services, regardless of circumstance,” said Gerald Piper, CenturyLink’s vice president of Northeast operations.  “We have plans in place to prepare for weather-related events like Hurricane Joaquin, and for restoring services—should they be impacted—as quickly as possible.”

CenturyLink encourages customers to be prepared by keeping at least one corded telephone in the home. Corded phones are powered through the phone lines and do not need electricity, so they are often the most reliable source of communication in an emergency. Conversely, cordless telephones need a power source, and will not work during power outages.

Many experts also say a detailed communication plan plays one of the biggest roles in helping families stay connected to each other during a natural disaster.

“Creating an emergency communication plan is vital,” said Piper. “Families should discuss how they will communicate during an emergency and then record important information, such as emergency contact numbers, on emergency communication cards. Making sure every family member has access to this information can be a lifesaver if you’re not together when disaster strikes.”

Once a communication 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 evacuate.
• 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.
• Review these plans periodically and update and refresh supplies accordingly.

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a global communications, hosting, cloud and IT services company enabling millions of customers to transform their businesses and their lives through innovative technology solutions. CenturyLink offers network and data systems management, Big Data analytics and IT consulting, and operates more than 55 data centers in North America, Europe and Asia. The company provides broadband, voice, video, data and managed services over a robust 250,000-route-mile U.S. fiber network and a 300,000-route-mile international transport network. Visit CenturyLink for more information.