With hurricane season officially underway, experts are urging residents to ensure their home technology is ready for severe weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its 2025 forecast, predicting an active season with above-average water temperatures in the Atlantic setting the stage for future storms. NOAA’s outlook for the Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 60% change of an above-normal season.
In addition to hurricane kits with medical supplies, food and water, residents in southeast Texas are urged to make sure their home technology is ready to weather the season. “Preparation is key,” said Foti Kallergis, Senior Director of Public Relations at Comcast Texas, who emphasized the importance of protecting home technology ahead of any severe storm.
“Using surge protectors for TVs, modems, and cable boxes can prevent damage from lightning strikes and power surges,” Kallergis said. “And moving hardware off the floor helps safeguard against flooding.”
After Hurricane Beryl hit southeast Texas last year, millions were left without power, highlighting the essential role of internet access during disasters. Kallergis noted that restoring electricity takes priority, but once power crews finish their work, Comcast teams stand ready to reestablish Xfinity services.
To further assist residents during emergencies, Xfinity offers several tools designed to maintain connectivity:
- Pro Wifi Extender keeps you connected even during power outages. This includes a storm-ready device and battery backup to help keep your home online for up to four hours through network and power outages with unlimited cellular data on a 4G LTE cellular network.
- Enroll in Text Alerts: Update your contact info through the Xfinity app or Xfinity.com to receive text alerts about service interruptions. Simply text START to 266278 (COMCST).
- Download the Xfinity Stream App: The Xfinity Stream app lets you watch live local news reports on any device, so you can stay informed no matter where you are.
- Check Your Data Plan: The Xfinity Mobile app allows you to adjust or upgrade your data plan, turning your phone into a hotspot if needed.
Hurricane season runs through November, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October. Kallergis encouraged residents to visit their nearest Xfinity store for guidance on setting up storm-ready tech.
“Now is the perfect time to prepare,” he said. “Staying informed and connected can make a big difference when severe weather strikes.”
For more on Xfinity services, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.