Federal Communications Commission	"FCC/DA  XX-XXX"



DA-22-1175
Released:  November 9, 2022

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ENCOURAGES DEBRIS REMOVAL AND UTILITY REPAIR TEAMS TO AVOID DAMAGING CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS IN AREAS AFFECTED BY TROPICAL STORM NICOLE
	The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) encourages all entities involved with debris clearing operations and utility repairs related to the effects of Tropical Storm Nicole to take all steps necessary to avoid damaging critical communications facilities and infrastructure.  
Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to cause widespread damage and significant impacts to communications services and infrastructure in Florida.  The aftermath of Tropical Storms and other disasters presents numerous challenges for those working to restore essential phone and Internet services.  For example, debris clearing operations to remove downed trees, replace damaged utility poles, and open roadways often result in significant, non-storm related damage to critical communications infrastructure.  Such damage can disrupt communications that support the safety and life and property, including 911 calls and first responder communications. 
PSHSB encourages those entities working to clear debris, repair utility lines, and restore services to ensure their activities do not damage critical communications.  Crews clearing downed trees and damaged utility poles should exercise caution to not cut or damage telephone or television cables that may be entangled in the debris.  Similarly, entities conducting debris and restoration efforts that require digging are reminded to use the state’s call-before-you-dig hotline number or visit https://call811.com to ensure buried utilities can be located to avoid damage.  Teams on the ground should take proactive steps to preserve and maintain critical communications and take immediate action, if necessary, to mitigate the effects of any damage that may occur to facilities or infrastructure. 
For assistance, please contact the FCC Operations Center at 202-418-1122 or by e-mail at FCCOPS@fcc.gov.









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