Staying Connected Through the Storm
In today’s digital world, losing internet access can feel like being stranded on a deserted island. Knowing what to expect during a weather-related outage and how to prepare ahead of the storm can go a long way toward keeping you connected when Oklahoma weather turns ugly.
Outages caused by severe weather can be frustrating and disruptive. While fiber optic internet remains more reliable than traditional copper-based systems, it’s not entirely immune to weather-related outages. Strong winds and ice storms can damage fiber optic cables or the infrastructure supporting them.
How We Restore Service
At OEC Fiber, we take every outage seriously. We designed our response process to get you back online as quickly as possible. We start by putting crews on standby when severe weather approaches. Once it’s safe, our electric crews work to restore power first. Then, our fiber teams get to work, starting with the main lines. We work from the largest areas of impact to the smallest, ensuring we restore service to as many members and subscribers at a time as we can.
Preparing for Weather-Related Outages
While we work hard to minimize downtime, there are steps you can take to prepare for potential outages:
- Battery Backup: Invest in a battery backup for your fiber equipment. This can keep you online during short power outages.
- Surge Protection: Use a quality surge protector to guard your equipment against the power surges caused by direct lightning strikes.
- Stay Informed: Follow our Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and website for updates during outages.
- Have a Backup Plan: Consider having a mobile hotspot or other backup internet option for critical needs during extended outages.
At OEC Fiber, we’re committed to providing reliable service, no matter the weather. By understanding how severe weather impacts our network and taking steps to prepare, we can work together to stay connected even when Mother Nature tries to slow us down.
Remember, always prioritize personal safety during severe weather events, and never approach downed power lines or damaged equipment. Leave that to our trained professionals. We’ll get you back online in no time.
