The FCC is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The storm is predicted to make landfall somewhere between Naples and the west coast’s Big Bend area on Wednesday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The agency “encouraged” utility repair crews and debris removal teams to avoid damaging communications and infrastructure in areas affected by the storm. The Commission cautioned that: “debris clearing operations to remove downed trees, replace damaged utility poles, and open roadways often result in significant, non-storm related damage to critical communications infrastructure. Such damage can disrupt communications that support the safety and life and property, including 911 calls and first responder communications.”
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau said crews clearing downed trees and damaged utility poles “should exercise caution to not cut or damage telephone or television cables that may be entangled in the debris.” It warned those conducting restoration efforts not to dig without first ensuring they know where utility lines are buried. “Teams on the ground should take proactive steps to preserve and maintain critical communications and take immediate action, if necessary, to mitigate the effects of any damage that may occur to facilities or infrastructure.”
The agency also reminded wireless and wireline carriers, broadcasters, cable operators, satellite operators, emergency response managers and first responders who need help from the Commission due to Hurricane Ian, including throughout the weekend, to call the FCC Operations Center for assistance at 202-418-1122 or by email at FCCOPS@fcc.gov.
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