Best Practices for Pre-Staging Communications Equipment Before a Hurricane

As hurricane season approaches, public safety agencies and emergency response teams face the ongoing challenge of maintaining reliable communications when traditional networks become compromised. Pre-staging communications equipment is a crucial step that can significantly reduce response times and ensure operational continuity during and after a storm.

At PEAKE, we understand the mission-critical nature of keeping teams connected under extreme conditions. Drawing on our expertise and solutions, here are best practices to effectively pre-stage your communications gear before a hurricane strikes.

1. Identify High-Risk and Strategic Locations

Begin by assessing your operational areas to determine where communications failures are most likely or would cause the greatest disruption. These include:

• Coastal zones prone to flooding and wind damage
• Evacuation centers and emergency shelters
• Critical infrastructure such as hospitals and command centers

By pinpointing these locations, you can strategically position your equipment where it will have the most impact.

2. Pre-Configure and Test Equipment Offsite

Before deployment, pre-configure all communications kits with the necessary settings—such as LTE, FirstNet credentials, and Starlink satellite connectivity—and conduct thorough functionality tests. This minimizes setup time on-site and reduces the risk of technical issues during critical moments.

PEAKE BLEND and CONNECT Kit’s come ready to deploy and support quick plug-and-play installation, ensuring your team can focus on mission objectives rather than technical troubleshooting.

3. Coordinate Power and Connectivity Resources

Reliable power and network access are essential. Verify that your portable power sources—whether vehicle integration, battery banks, or generators—are fully operational. Additionally, ensure your kits are equipped for multi-network access, including LTE, FirstNet, and satellite failover options like Starlink.

This dual (or triple) connectivity approach maximizes uptime, even when terrestrial networks fail.

4. Train Teams on Rapid Deployment Procedures

Even the best equipment is only as effective as the people operating it. Regular training ensures your personnel are confident and efficient in setting up, operating, and troubleshooting communications gear under pressure. Include hands-on drills that simulate hurricane conditions to improve response times and reduce errors.

5. Establish a Clear Staging and Deployment Plan

Develop a detailed plan outlining where equipment will be stored pre-storm and how it will be deployed. Assign roles and responsibilities to personnel for equipment transport, setup, and maintenance. Having a formal plan in place helps avoid delays and confusion during the critical pre-storm window.

6. Monitor and Adjust Based on Real-Time Conditions

Conditions during a hurricane can change rapidly. Stay informed through weather updates and adjust your staging plans as necessary. Consider mobile or rapidly deployable units that can be relocated based on evolving storm paths.

Conclusion

Pre-staging communications equipment is a vital component of hurricane preparedness that saves valuable time and ensures first responders remain connected when lives depend on it.

PEAKE’s solutions—featuring rugged, ready-to-deploy LTE kits, Starlink satellite integration, and multi-network capabilities—are designed to support your mission-critical communications before, during, and after storms.

Prepare early. Deploy smart. Stay connected.