Preparedness is the first step in addressing disasters. And being prepared for a disaster can limit the many hardships that can occur after one happens. Texas is no stranger to experiencing such occurrences. Because our state has a vast geographic region, many Texans have to think about hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, winter storms, heat, and more.
Recently, Governor Abbott declared September Preparedness Month in Texas. This month is critical for our residents, businesses, and communities as we set aside time to really think about how to plan and prepare for natural and man-made disasters.
There are valuable state and federal sites aimed at helping us prepare. This includes Texas Ready where families can make plans, build kits, and browse other resources. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also provides guides for assistance during disasters.
Being prepared transcends beyond individual duty. At AT&T, we know that the ability to communicate during a disaster is key. Connecting family members experiencing disaster are important to us. And with FirstNet, we provide a dedicated platform for first responders to act.
In response to 9/11, the FirstNet Authority was created to develop a nationwide public safety broadband network for first responders. The FirstNet Authority chose AT&T as its private partner to build and operate FirstNet. But, FirstNet isn’t just a network. With over 2.5 million connections in service and more than 17,000 agencies and organizations subscribed, FirstNet is an innovative nationwide communications platform. From Winter Storm Uri to many other natural disasters that occur across the country, FirstNet has, and will continue to be, present in times of need.
For families, AT&T also has a disaster relief website to help ensure residents are thinking about ways to prepare. We’ve also collaborated with SBP, formerly St. Bernard Project, to develop Equip, a mobile app dedicated to preparedness during disasters that can be downloaded in the Apple and Google app stores.
Through Equip, users can:
- Complete an onboarding quiz to ensure content is tailored to a unique situation and location
- Access interactive learning content, checklists and more in English and Spanish
- Earn badges while navigating preparedness and recovery resources
- Collaborate with others in a household to create preparedness and recovery plans
- Receive disaster alerts and recovery tips and tools if the local area has been impacted by a disaster
- Apply for Home Rebuilding Services through SBP
- Find volunteer opportunities to help others impacted by disasters.
You also can check out a summary of the various preparedness services we offer, including our business customers, here.
Disasters will happen. However, being prepared for a disaster can provide the necessary resilience needed to avoid devastation. This month think about ways you can be prepared for you and your family.
