Protecting Internet Connections in Hurricane-Prone Areas
When hurricane season arrives, most people stock up on water, batteries, and canned goods. But what about your internet connection? Staying connected during severe weather isn't just about scrolling social media—it's about accessing emergency alerts, communicating with loved ones, and potentially working from home when businesses close. Continue reading to explore how you can protect your internet connection in hurricane-prone areas.
Set Up Backup Internet Options
Your primary internet connection will likely fail during a major storm, so having alternatives ready makes the difference between staying informed and going dark. Satellite internet services like Starlink have revolutionized emergency connectivity because they don't rely on ground-based infrastructure that hurricanes typically destroy. These systems work as long as you have power and can maintain a clear view of the sky.
Cellular hotspots provide another excellent backup option. Mobile networks often recover faster than fixed broadband after storms because cell towers have backup power systems and priority repair schedules. Keep a dedicated hotspot device charged and ready, or know how to activate your smartphone's hotspot feature quickly.
Invest in an Uninterruptible Power Supply
Power outages knock out internet connections faster than any other hurricane-related problem. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) gives your modem, router, and other networking equipment precious hours of operation during blackouts. Choose a UPS that can run your internet equipment for at least four to six hours—long enough for brief outages.
Implement Comprehensive Surge Protection
Lightning strikes and power grid fluctuations during storms send dangerous electrical surges through your home's wiring. Whole-house surge protectors installed at your electrical panel provide the first line of defense, but individual surge protectors for your networking equipment add another layer of protection.
Don't rely on basic power strips—invest in surge protectors specifically rated for electronics. Look for models with joule ratings above 1,000 and response times under one nanosecond. These specifications determine how much energy the device can absorb and how quickly it reacts to surges.
Secure and Weatherproof Your Cables
Hurricane winds turn outdoor cables into whips that can damage your home's exterior and create entry points for water. Armored Ethernet cables are beneficial for outdoor runs because their metal shielding resists both physical damage and electromagnetic interference. These cables cost more than standard versions but survive conditions that destroy regular networking cables.
Inspect all cable entry points and seal them with weatherproof materials. Water infiltration causes more long-term damage than wind, and even small amounts of moisture can corrode connections and create permanent failures.
Develop a Family Communication Plan
Establish specific ways to contact family members when normal communication channels fail. Designate an out-of-state contact person who can serve as a central communication hub—long-distance calls often work when local networks are overloaded. Share this contact information with all family members and practice using alternative communication methods before you need them.
Text messages frequently get through when voice calls cannot because they require less bandwidth and can queue for delivery when networks become available. Social media platforms also offer messaging features that work on various networks and devices.
Identify Community Internet Resources
Research locations in your area that might maintain internet access during emergencies. Libraries, community centers, schools, and government buildings often have backup power systems and priority network connections. Create a list of these locations with their addresses and normal operating hours. During emergencies, hours might change, but knowing where to go saves valuable time when you need connectivity urgently.
Start implementing these internet connection strategies before hurricane season begins—waiting until a storm approaches leaves you scrambling for equipment that others are also trying to buy. Your future self, huddled at home while the wind howls outside, will thank you for taking these steps now.
