OREANDA-NEWS. August 30, 2012. With an arsenal of disaster response equipment and personnel on standby as Tropical Storm Isaac nears Florida, AT&T* is ready to respond quickly.  AT&T is the first private sector company in the nation to receive disaster preparedness certification under the Department of Homeland Security Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Program, reported the press-centre of AT&T.

AT&T has invested more than USD600 million in our Network Disaster Recovery function – one of the industry’s largest and most advanced disaster response programs – to help ensure the flow of wireless and wireline communications during emergencies. Formed in 1991, the NDR arsenal of equipment includes more than 320 technology and equipment trailers that can be quickly deployed to respond to events, such as hurricanes. The Network Disaster Recovery team works closely with local AT&T network personnel, regional Emergency Operations Centers and Local Response Centers to restore and maintain service until permanent repairs can be made.

To help maximize network reliability during a storm, AT&T conducts readiness drills and simulations throughout the year to ensure our networks are prepared and our personnel are ready to respond at a moment’s notice, and our networks are monitored 24/7. Other preparations include:

Topping off fuel at generators positioned at cell sites and switching centers

Testing high-capacity back-up batteries at cell sites

Distributing additional extended battery life and portable generators

Using natural gas in some of our permanent generators to eliminate the need to refuel

Adding capacity to the wireless network as able

Staging additional emergency response equipment in strategic locations near the anticipated landfall

In addition, AT&T has continued to enhance network redundancy in hurricane-prone areas by installing more back-up and permanent generators at critical cell sites and switching facilities; locating critical equipment to less vulnerable areas; upgrading electronics critical to network operations above expected flood levels; and protecting physical facilities against flooding.

Just as we prepare our networks and personnel, AT&T encourages residents and small businesses to consider the following recommendations in preparation for the storm.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.