While this blog recently discussed plans in Massachusetts to institute call center answering services in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, utility companies all along the Eastern seaboard would be wise to use similar tactics. As Mother Nature is notoriously unpredictable, customers would greatly benefit from the ability to contact a representative 24/7 to find out the status of how a storm is going to impact them.
As reported by the Associated Press, President Barack Obama issued a state of emergency for Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, authorizing federal relief work to begin well ahead of time. Obama added that anything that governors and mayors need, they will be given and the government “will respond big and fast” after the storm subsides.
Additionally, experts believe that over 800 miles – from the East coast to the Great Lakes region – will be affected. Nearly 50 million people could be endangered, and power could be lost in some areas for days. According to the Middletown Press, Connecticut utilities are preparing for an aftermath similar to that of Hurricane Irene and the October Nor’easter from last year.
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy said in a statement on Sunday night that Hurricane Sandy was “the largest threat to human life this state has experienced in anyone’s lifetime. This is not a joke. This is a real warning of possible death by drowning.”
In weather emergencies, it’s important for utility companies – and businesses of any kind that affected residents might need to contact – to find a way to keep communication channels open. A Connecticut call center, for example, would greatly benefit those in affected areas. Through phone, email or text messaging services, those individuals could stay fully up-to-date on the status of their electric or gas provider.
