Our V Team is there, ready to serve.
Watch how we work as a ‘family’ to provide critical communication resources to communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia.
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On today’s edition of Up To Speed we caught up with our Verizon Response Team who are working diligently to continue providing critical communications to areas in Georgia and Florida impacted by Hurricane Idalia.
Although the Hurricane may have moved on, the recovery efforts are just beginning.
We spoke with members of the Response Team in Live Oak, FL who are helping provide communications to Operation BBQ Relief, as they work to serve meals to all affected, including residents, first responders, & relief workers.
Wayne Mathis, Senior Manager with the Verizon Satellite Solutions Group walked us through some of our assets on the ground including our Big Red trailer that’s been with us since Hurricane Andrew.
“The nice thing about these trailers is that they do have satellites on them,” said Wayne. “When you get these disasters a lot of times that is the only communications you’re going to have.”
All of our V Teamers on the ground are working as quickly and as safely as possible to keep our network running and helping those in need.
“It’s actually overwhelmingly emotional, really,” said Satellite Communications Engineer Chris Mundorf. “It’s a great team we’re working with, it’s family, so it’s great to get out here and help folks.”
Waiving call/text/data usage
In response to the devastation left behind in the wake of Hurricane Idalia, Verizon is waiving prepaid and postpaid domestic call/text/data usage incurred from August 30 - September 13, for Florida and Georgia residents in the areas most impacted by the storm. For more details and information, please visit our Hurricane Idalia Resource blog.
How V Teamers can help
V Team if you’d like to help, please keep our VtoV Employee Relief Fund top of mind.
The VtoV Employee Relief Fund is a charity that provides aid for Verizon employees displaced from their homes due to natural disasters (such as severe weather and fires) or domestic violence. The grants are used toward food, clothing, shelter and other necessities during life-changing disasters.
If you’re able to, please consider making a contribution, you can click here to donate and learn more.
Additional resources
Check out our Emergency preparation tips and tools page to help you be ready and stay connected during extreme weather emergencies.
