Supporting first responders in wake of devastating hurricanes Milton and Helene
October 18, 2024
As communities affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene continue the process of recovery, we are fully committed to supporting the response and restoration efforts. Our dedicated teams are working tirelessly to restore connectivity for those impacted by the storms.
In the aftermath of Milton and Helene, we set up self-sustaining basecamps and deployed crews of support team members near the hardest-hit areas affected by the storms. Additionally, our Drones & Robotics team used our Flying COWs (Cell on Wings) to provide connectivity to first responders and impacted communities. These drones have been vital in reconnecting areas with disrupted infrastructure.
Additionally, FirstNet® liaisons remain in contact with federal, state, and local officials on our deployment efforts to support public safety and the communities they serve. In the wake of these storms, the FirstNet Response Operations Group™, has responded to more than 265 FirstNet emergency support requests from public safety agencies.
ROG the Dog
ROG the Dog, the FirstNet animal assisted therapy program, provided comfort to first responders in South Carolina. Affectionately named after the FirstNet Response Operations Group™, ROG the Dog consists of a fleet of more than 30 trained labradoodles specializing in supporting the health and wellness of first responders. Similarly to the dedicated FirstNet fleet of deployable assets, these heroic dogs can be requested by agencies on FirstNet at no additional charge.
Responding to requests
Our FirstNet Response Operations Group™ has been working tirelessly to provide seamless communication for various public safety entities, including hospitals, Emergency Operation Centers (EOC(s)), fire departments, and a local airport that serves as a crucial conduit for getting supplies into the hardest-hit areas.
To support these critical operations, the team has deployed dedicated assets from the FirstNet fleet like Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) and Compact Rapid Deployables™ (CRDs). State and federal agencies on FirstNet are also deploying their own FirstNet CRDs as part of mutual aid efforts – FirstNet is the only network that allows agencies to own and deploy their own portable network assets, providing dedicated connectivity and greater command and control of their network in just minutes.
In Wheeler County, Georgia, power was out for days after Helene. Houston County 9-1-1 and Emergency Management responded to provide help to their neighbors. The County called on FirstNet for added connectivity and the ROG team deployed a Compact Rapid Deployable™. The CRD helped first responders communicate and coordinate response as the agency set up their EOC before macro service was fully restored in the area.
These efforts are vital in maintaining lines of communication, enabling first responders and emergency personnel to coordinate efficiently and help save lives during this challenging time.
As America’s Public Safety Network, we will continue to be focused on supporting these vital communities and providing the connectivity they need.