We know connectivity for communications is vital before, during and after any disaster event. And when it comes to being ready for the next one, preparedness is key.
After losing a significant portion of their communication abilities during a widespread, long-lived, straight-line windstorm in 2012, also called a derecho, Loudoun Water realized the need to connect their systems and employees to ensure their communities have safe, functioning utilities.
They turned to FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, the only network built with and for America’s first responder and extended public safety community, to equip their employees with new capabilities and reliable access to critical information while in the field.
FirstNet is designed to improve interoperable communications across public safety entities nationwide, allowing first responders to communicate with one another easily and quickly during everyday situations, big events and emergencies.
As a water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utility provider that services suburban Loudoun County in Northern Virginia, Loudoun Water is part of the nation’s critical infrastructure. Loudoun Water has more than 60 water and wastewater facilities spread across 140+ square miles, and these facilities are crucial to the County’s everyday life. Good communication between these facilities and Loudoun Water’s employees is vital to keep the water flowing.
As a key part of the extended public safety community, Loudoun Water is using FirstNet to provide near-real time data monitoring of their facilities and on their department cellular devices and tablets, that allow remote eyes on their sites and constant communication with teams.
“Whether it is from home or from one of our remote sites, FirstNet has really delivered on everything that we were hoping for,” said Lenny McDonald, Manager, Risk, Safety and Security, Loudoun Water. “It has created a much safer and more secure environment for our employees and customers.”
Hear more how Loudoun Water has drastically improved their technology with FirstNet.
