JACKSON, Tenn. — The peak of severe weather season in West Tennessee is happening now — during the spring months — particularly March, April, and May. A new study found that many Americans are not prepared if disaster strikes.
Last year, there were 27 weather-related disasters, each totaling at least $1 billion in damages, according to a study done by NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information. Still, research show many Americans are unprepared.
Experts say being prepared in the event of an emergency or natural disaster is essential no matter where you live.
A new T-Mobile survey found that 34% of adults in America do not have a clear communication plan for themselves or their families, even though most say reliable mobile communication is as essential as food and water.
In the event of a natural disaster, experts recommend enabling wireless emergency alerts on your mobile devices.
“That’s why you get those necessary lifesaving notifications when they come out, and then a ‘go-bag’ is a big deal– something I had for my family,” said Craig Martinez, National Public Safety Strategist with T-Mobile. “A bag that you can grab that has everything that you need; important documents, food, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, cell phone chargers. Things like that.”
Families and individuals rely on first responders when natural disasters occur. However, first responders also face complex risks when disaster strikes.
“There is so many data intensive applications and lifesaving tools that these first responding agencies are using now; radios, smart phones, tablets, drones, body-worn cameras, personnel and assets tracking–just to name a few,” Martinez said.
T-Mobile is prioritizing first responders with a network called T-Priority. In times of severe network congestion, T-Priority ensures that first responders traffic can still be transmitted.
“They deserve that solution, that connectivity that gives them the highest priority on whatever networks they’re on,” said Martinez.
In some rural parts of West Tennessee, there is little to no connectivity. T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service utilizes Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology. This means that your phone can connect directly to satellites in space. This service was used during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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