Verizon responds: Keeping customers connected as severe weather hits California

SAN FRANCISCO – As severe weather continues to batter California and other parts of the West Coast with a series of atmospheric rivers and bomb cyclones, Verizon is working

around the clock to keep customers connected. These storms have delivered heavy rain, strong winds and snow. Communities in Northern California are dealing with floods, debris

flows, road closures, downed trees and commercial power outages. With safety as its top priority, Verizon is committed to making sure customers can use their mobile devices when it

matters most.Verizon’s extreme network is recognized for reliability and designed to withstand extreme weather with redundancy on critical paths and components to continue to

serve its customers to deliver superior service. Battery and generator backup systems in critical locations – such as macro cell sites, switch locations and network-operation

centers – also minimize the risk of disruption if commercial power is lost. Verizon engineers also ensure all cell-site generator fuel levels are high, test battery back-ups at

network facilities, and train emergency crews to respond quickly to any network issue.The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team has deployed to several communities in Northern

California to provide mission-critical communications support to public safety agencies responding to the ongoing severe weather. The team is in contact with city and county

emergency management teams and is currently coordinating communication needs and efforts with the public safety agencies operating in the region. The Verizon Frontline Crisis

Response Team has now deployed more than 30 Verizon Frontline solutions including two Satellite Picocells on Trailers (SPOTs) in support of emergency response operations.Verizon

Frontline is the advanced network and technology built for first responders – developed over three decades of partnership with public safety officials and agencies - to meet

their unique and evolving needs.The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team provides on-demand, emergency assistance during crisis situations to government agencies, emergency

responders, nonprofits and communities on a 24/7 basis at no cost to the supported agencies. Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team members set up portable cell sites, WiFi

hotspots, free charging stations and other Verizon Frontline devices and solutions that enable communications and/or boost network performance.Verizon’s retail team stands ready

to assist customers and ensure they have the right devices, accessories and connectivity to prepare for extended power outages, mandatory evacuation orders, and other extreme