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September 2021

Spoksters,

It’s hard to believe that Hurricane Season is upon us, in fact, we’re already in the thick of it with Henri and Ida giving us
challenges to overcome. September is also National Preparedness Month, meant to encourage and remind us to be
prepared for disasters or emergencies in our homes, business, and communities. I thought now would be a great
opportunity to provide information on hurricane awareness and a detailed outline of Spok procedures for hurricane
preparedness. I also want to give a huge shout out to our Field Technicians and TOC who ensure our customer stay up and
operational.

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Hurricane season actually began May 15 , 2021 (Pacific season) and June 1 , 2021 (Atlantic season) and will end on
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November 30 , 2021. Although we are only halfway through the season, we are already on track to exceed this year’s
predictions for the total number of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Hurricanes can occur along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Hurricanes are dangerous and
can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind, rip currents and flooding. Storm surge is historically the leading
cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind,
water, even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing
now.

Here are some preparedness steps that you can take to help keep you safe:
• Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. In your hurricane plans,
include the office, kids’ daycare, and anywhere you frequent.
• De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, consider hurricane shutters.
• Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies, masks, pet supplies in your
go bag or car trunk. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.
• Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices
to power electronics.
• You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation
routes, practice with household, pets, and identify where you will stay.
What is Spok’s Hurricane preparedness plan to safeguard our customers:
Our Technology Operations leadership team is constantly watching NOAA throughout hurricane season. If a storm
increases to Hurricane strength, or is forecast to, within 48 hours prior to landfall, the following list of preventive measures
are taken to ensure Spok can effectively respond to any damage that may occur:
• Portable generators are fueled, tested, and distributed throughout the anticipated affected areas;
• Extra fuel is stockpiled and distributed to staging areas;
• Transmitter site spare parts are distributed to staging areas;
• Spare antennas/dishes are distributed to staging areas;
• COWs (coverage on wheels), which are small transmitter sites mounted on trailers are readied and on standby to
be moved into position should it become necessary;
• Over dial numbers through the Plano Datacenter are readied and made available in the event of a local terminal
or PSTN failure;
• All Spok Technology Operations personnel throughout the regions are prepared and put on standby to assist to
restore storm damage, and additional workforce resources from other Spok market areas are also prepped to
assist if required;
• Blanket purchase orders are issued to all key tower crews to guarantee that they will be available to assist;