Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

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1-833-937-8824
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Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Stay informed, stay connected...

Stay Connected Before the Storm

Preparing before a hurricane can help keep you connected and make recovery easier afterward.

Charge Your Devices

  • Charge phones, tablets, laptops, and battery packs.
  • Keep a vehicle charger available.
  • Consider a portable power bank for extended outages.

Prepare Your Internet Equipment

  • Make sure your Wi-Fi router is in a dry, elevated location.
  • Unplug equipment if flooding or electrical surges are expected.
  • If you have a battery backup (UPS), ensure it’s fully charged.

Save Important Numbers

Have these readily available:

  • VTCI Customer Support 1-833-937-8824
  • Emergency Services (911)
  • Local utility company
  • Family emergency contacts

Download Important Apps

Before the storm arrives, download:

  • Local weather app
  • Emergency alerts
  • County emergency management app
  • Offline maps (Google Maps)

Build an Emergency Kit

Keep enough supplies for at least 72 hours.

Include:

  • Water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Non-perishable food
  • Flashlights
  • Extra batteries
  • Battery-powered radio
  • First aid kit
  • Prescription medications
  • Portable phone chargers
  • Important documents in waterproof bags
  • Cash

During the Hurricane

Stay Safe

  • Follow local evacuation orders.
  • Stay indoors and away from windows.
  • Avoid flooded roads.
  • Never use generators indoors.

If You Lose Internet

Your internet service may stop if:

  • Commercial power is lost.
  • Your home’s equipment loses power.
  • Storm damage affects fiber lines.

Try these steps after power returns:

  1. Check if your router has power.
  2. Wait 5–10 minutes for it to reconnect.
  3. Restart your router if necessary.
  4. Check VTCI’s outage updates.

After the Storm

Inspect Safely

  • Watch for downed power lines.
  • Do not touch damaged utility equipment.
  • Check your home for flooding before reconnecting electronics

Restore Your Internet

  1. Restore power to your modem/router.
  2. Wait several minutes for connection.
  3. Restart equipment if needed.
  4. Contact VTCI if service does not return.

Report Damage

If you notice:

  • Downed fiber lines
  • Damaged VTCI equipment
  • Broken pedestals or cabinets

Please report it to VTCI as soon as it is safe to do so.

⚠️ Safety Reminder

Never approach downed lines or damaged equipment. Report hazards to emergency services.

Stay Informed

Follow VTCI for:

  • Service outage updates
  • Restoration progress
  • Safety information
  • Community announcements
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Frequently Asked Questions

No. Your modem and router require electricity. A battery backup (UPS) can keep your equipment running for a limited time if the VTCI network remains powered.

Hurricane Readiness Checklist

Before the Storm✓
Charge phones and battery packs☐
Fuel your vehicle☐
Test flashlights☐
Gather emergency supplies☐
Secure outdoor furniture☐
Download emergency apps☐
Save VTCI support number☐
Protect important documents☐
Check on neighbors and family☐