Winter storm season in Western Washington typically occurs during the fall and winter months, from October through March. Frequent rain, strong winds, and occasional storms characterize this period. While the storms can vary in intensity, the late fall and winter months, particularly November through January, often see the most powerful storm systems in Western Washington.
Preparing for a winter storm that could cause power outages is crucial. Equally important is preparing for a potential internet service outage, especially if you rely heavily on a stable internet connection for work, school, or other activities. This comprehensive approach involves taking steps to stay safe, keep communications open, and maintain access to essential information.
Here’s a list of practical steps to consider:
1. Prepare Emergency Power Sources
- Backup Batteries: Charge portable power banks for phones and small devices. These are crucial for staying connected.
- Generators: If you have a generator, ensure it’s fueled, maintained, and ready. Use it safely by keeping it outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Battery Backups for Modem/Router: Some internet modems and routers, like Storm-Ready WiFi, include battery and cellular backups that can keep your connection running if power is temporarily out.
2. Download Key Information for Offline Access
- Work Files: Download any critical files, presentations, or documents you need offline.
- Weather Updates: Download or take screenshots of the storm forecast to stay updated if the Internet goes out.
- Emergency Contacts: Write down important phone numbers and addresses in case your mobile data or Internet goes offline.
- Offline Maps: Download maps if you need to navigate without a GPS or internet connection.
- Essential Apps: Many cloud services offer offline modes for documents and other files. Enable this feature to access and work on essential files without an internet connection.
3. Prepare Your Devices and Apps
- Prepare your mobile phone: Your phone can be a crucial resource during an unplanned event. Ensure your batteries are charged, and you’ll have access to portable chargers. Use protective phone and charging accessories to keep everything dry and accessible. Consider programming all emergency contact numbers and email addresses into your phone and downloading weather, news, and safety apps.
- Keep Devices Charged: In addition to your mobile phone, ensure that your tablet and laptop are fully charged before an anticipated outage. Have a portable power bank charged and ready to use.
- Enable WiFi Calling: If you lose cellular service but still have Internet, you may still be able to make calls using WiFi calling, so enable it on your phone settings. You may also try texting instead of talking on the phone because text messages may be delivered more efficiently when a network is overloaded with voice calls.
- Set Up a Mobile Hotspot: Many smartphones can be set up as mobile hotspots, allowing you to use cellular data to connect devices like laptops. If you’re an Xfinity Mobile customer, you can turn your phone into a personal hotspot and use it to connect your other devices to the Internet. See how here. If you’re not an Xfinity Mobile customer, check with your provider to see if you have this capability.
- Offline Entertainment: Download family-friendly games, movies, or books that don’t require the Internet, especially if you have children who rely on the Internet for entertainment. If you use streaming services for entertainment, download movies or shows to watch offline during the outage.
- Protect Your Devices: Sudden power outages, lightning strikes, and issues with the local power system can damage your devices. Using a surge protector can help lessen that risk. We recommend plugging your TV, modem, and TV Box into a surge protector.
4. Identify Backup Internet Options
- Public Hotspots: Some companies offer their customers free public WiFi hotspots. For example, nearly 100,000 public WiFi Hotspots are available in Washington state for free to Xfinity customers, allowing you to save money on your mobile data. Click here to find one near you.
- Alternative Locations: Consider alternative internet options, such as nearby cafes, libraries, or coworking spaces that may offer WiFi.
5. Stock Up on Essentials
- Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have flashlights, extra batteries, candles, blankets, and any necessary medications.
- Food and Water: Stock up on non-perishable food and drinking water.
- Stay Warm: Keep extra blankets and layers available, as heating may also be affected by power or service interruptions.
6. Prepare and Inform Others
- Communication Plan: Let friends and family know your status and how you’ll keep in touch. If you live in an area prone to severe outages, identify a neighbor or family member who can assist if needed. Make sure emergency phone numbers and emails are programmed in your phone.
- Notify Others of Potential Unavailability: Inform your coworkers, clients, or family members that you may experience connectivity issues. This can help them understand if you’re unreachable or if responses are delayed.
7. Monitor Utility and Service Updates
- Sign Up for Alerts: Power companies and internet service providers often offer outage maps and status notifications. For example, Xfinity customers can log into their account at Xfinity.com/myaccount or via the Xfinity app to sign up to receive text alerts to stay updated on when service will be restored. To receive text alerts from Xfinity about service outages, make sure your mobile number is registered in your Xfinity account. You can do this through the Xfinity website or app.
- Have Backup Internet Options: A cellular hotspot may provide Internet if your primary provider goes down.
Being well-prepared ensures you’re ready to weather the storm even if the Internet or power goes down, helping you stay safe, connected, and informed. Following these steps can ensure a smoother experience during an outage and minimize its impact on your day-to-day activities.
