Hurricane Helene Service Updates

Preparing for Potential Service Disruptions Due to Hurricane Helene 

As Hurricane Helene approaches, we want to inform you about the potential impact on our service in your area. Heavy rain and high winds are expected, which could result in service disruptions. 

To ensure your safety, here are some steps you can take now: 

• Charge Essential Devices 
  • Make sure your mobile phones, tablets, and other devices are fully charged in case of power outages. 
• Back Up Critical Files 
  • If you rely on the internet for work or personal activities, back up important documents and files ahead of time. 
• Check for Local Updates 
  • Stay informed about weather alerts and local conditions. Follow local authorities’ recommendations, and keep emergency numbers handy. 
• Sign Up for Text Alerts 
  • If you haven’t already, please sign into your West Carolina Upcountry Fiber account by clicking here and sign up for text alerts. Follow this tutorial for step-by-step instructions. We will also post updates on our Facebook page.
• Power Surge Protection 
  • If possible, use surge protectors for your electronic equipment to avoid damage from sudden power surges. 
• Safe Internet and Device Use 
  • Avoid using devices connected to power outlets during severe weather to protect against electrical shocks. 

We are actively monitoring the situation and will work to restore any service disruptions as quickly as possible, which, of course is dependent on power restoration efforts.  

Preparing for when power to your home is restored:

• Unplug electronics
  • Prevent power surges by unplugging sensitive devices such as computers, TVs, and appliances.
• Turn off lights
  • Leave one light on to know when the power is back but turn off others to avoid overwhelming the system.
• Refrigerator and freezer
  • Keep doors closed to retain cold air; check food for spoilage once power returns.
• Reset clocks and alarms
  • Prepare to reset digital clocks, alarm systems, and timers once power is restored.
• Inspect appliances
  • Check for any malfunctions or issues with devices that were running when the power went out.
• Reboot routers and modems
  • Once power is restored, reboot your internet equipment to reconnect.
    • Some areas received extensive fiber damage. We are actively monitoring our fiber network and allocating resources as they become available.
• Restock emergency supplies
  • Check batteries, flashlights, and other supplies in case of future outages.
• Charge devices
  • Start recharging phones, laptops, and power banks to ensure they’re ready in case of another outage.
• Check on neighbors
  • Ensure others around you, especially elderly or vulnerable individuals, have safely navigated the power outage.

Tips on how to make WiFi calls:

For iPhone (iOS)*

• Ensure your device is compatible
  • WiFi calling is available on iPhone 5c or later models running iOS 8 or newer.
  • Check if your carrier supports WiFi calling (most major carriers do).
• Connect to a WiFi network
  • Make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable WiFi network.
• Enable WiFi calling
  • Open Settings on your iPhone.
  • Scroll down and tap on Phone.
  • Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
  • Toggle the switch to On.
  • A pop-up may appear asking for confirmation of emergency services information. Confirm and input your emergency address if needed.
• Verify WiFi calling
  • Once enabled, you should see “Wi-Fi” next to your carrier name in the status bar when connected to a WiFi network.
  • You can now make and receive calls using WiFi.
• Make a WiFi call
  • Simply use the Phone app as usual. Your call will automatically route through WiFi if the network signal is stronger than your cellular connection.

For Android*

• Ensure your device is compatible
  • Most newer Android phones support WiFi calling, but ensure your device and carrier support it.
• Connect to a WiFi network
  • Make sure your phone is connected to a reliable WiFi network.
• Enable WiFi calling
  • Open the Phone app.
  • Tap the Menu (three dots) or Settings option, usually found in the top-right corner.
  • Look for Wi-Fi calling or Calls over Wi-Fi (this may vary depending on your device).
  • Toggle the switch to On.
• Set WiFi calling preferences (optional)
  • You may have options to choose whether to always prefer WiFi calling or to use cellular when the signal is stronger. Adjust according to your preferences.
• Make a WiFi call
  • Use the Phone app to dial as usual. If WiFi calling is active, the call will be routed through the WiFi network.

*Notes

• Carrier fees
  • WiFi calling is generally free, but international calls may still incur charges based on your carrier’s policy.
• Emergency services
  • Calls to emergency services (911) may behave differently over WiFi. Ensure that your address information is updated in the WiFi calling settings.
• Signal strength
  • If WiFi is weak or drops during a call, your phone may switch back to a cellular network seamlessly, depending on the phone and carrier.