Winter Storm Resources

Preparing for Potential Service Disruptions Due to Weather

As the impending winter storm approaches, we want to inform you about the potential impact on our service in your area. Heavy ice, sleet, and snow are expected, which could result in service disruptions. Click on the links below to view helpful information.

We have several WiFi hotspots available within our service territory. While we cannot guarantee some of these did not sustain damage, this is a complete list of what we have set up throughout the area. Simply look for the network name containing “hotspot” to connect.

ABBEVILLE COUNTY

  • West Carolina Office | 229 Hwy 28 Bypass, Abbeville (Customer Service Center parking lot)
  • Abbeville Livery Stable | 116 Trinity St and rear parking lot

ANDERSON COUNTY

  • West Carolina Office | 619 W Front St, Iva (Customer Service parking lot)
  • Starr-Iva Water & Sewer | 104 Roy Arnold Rd, Starr

MCCORMICK COUNTY

  • West Carolina Office | 200 Virginia St, McCormick (Customer Service parking lot)
  • McAllister’s Home Furnishings | 127 Depot St, Mt Carmel

GREENWOOD COUNTY

  • West Carolina Office | 1303 Montague Ave Ext, Greenwood (Customer Service parking lot)
  • Greenwood YMCA | 1760 Calhoun Rd, Greenwood

SENECA

  • Upcountry Fiber Office | 9 Boardwalk Pl, Seneca (customer parking lot)

WiFi calling enables you to make phone calls and send text messages via a wireless internet connection, rather than using your cellular carrier network, this can be crucial if network coverage becomes spotty or nonexistent.

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.

Before the Storm (24–48 Hours Before)

Prepare Your Home & Devices

  • Charge phones, tablets, power banks, and rechargeable lights.
  • Back up important files if you depend on internet or digital work.
  • Place surge protectors on sensitive electronics to help prevent damage.

Stay Informed

  • Monitor local weather alerts (NWS and local authorities).
  • Keep emergency numbers and utility contact info handy.

Vehicle & Travel Prep

  • Fill gas tanks in case of power loss at stations.
  • Avoid travel once freezing rain begins; icy roads are unpredictable.

Everyday Essentials

  • Withdraw some cash; card systems may be down during outages.
  • Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.

Protect Your Home & Utilities

Water & Pipes

  • Insulate outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses.
  • Allow faucets to drip when temperatures fall below freezing.
  • Know where your water shut-off valve and breaker box are located.

Food & Supplies

  • Keep a supply of 3–5 days no-cook food (canned, shelf stable).
  • Have a manual can opener ready.
  • Freeze water bottles to help keep food cold in your fridge if the power goes out.

Heating & Safety

  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – replace batteries.
  • Never run generators, grills, or heaters indoors.
  • Use flashlights or battery lanterns instead of candles.

During the Storm

Stay Inside & Stay Safe

  • Avoid unnecessary travel.
  • Treat downed power lines as live and dangerous – report to utility.
  • Keep refrigerator closed to preserve food longer.

Check on Others

  • Reach out by phone to neighbors, especially seniors or people with special needs.

After the Storm

Safety First

  • Walk carefully — surfaces may refreeze and remain slick.
  • Throw away refrigerated foods that have been above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
  • Do not attempt DIY work on electrical systems or downed lines; leave it to professionals.

Expect Ongoing Disruptions

  • Restoring power and clearing roads can take days in ice events — patience is essential.

Ice Storm Reality for the South

  • Even ¼″ of ice can bring scattered outages and dangerous travel; ½″ or more can result in major power and infrastructure problems in areas unaccustomed to winter weather.

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 may receive 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.

⚠️ Important Safety Note (Read First)
This guide explains how to power ONLY your internet equipment (ONT + router).
Do NOT connect a generator directly to your home’s electrical system unless you have a professionally installed transfer switch.
Never “backfeed” power through wall outlets — this is extremely dangerous and illegal.

What You’ll Need

✔ A portable generator (gas, propane, or dual-fuel)
✔ Outdoor-rated extension cord
✔ Access to your ONT (Optical Network Terminal)
✔ Your Wi-Fi router (and modem, if separate)
✔ Optional but recommended: surge protector or small UPS

Step 1: Locate Your Internet Equipment

Find where your ONT is installed. Common locations:

  • Inside garage
  • Utility room
  • Exterior wall (inside enclosure)
  • Basement or closet

Also identify:

  • The power cord going from the ONT to the wall outlet
  • Your Wi-Fi router’s power cord

These are the only two devices you need to power to restore internet.

Step 2: Safely Place the Generator

✔ Place the generator outside only
✔ At least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents
✔ Exhaust facing away from the home
✔ On a dry, flat surface

🚫 Never operate a generator:

  • Indoors
  • In garages (even with doors open)
  • Near windows or crawlspaces

Carbon monoxide is invisible and deadly.

Step 3: Start the Generator (No Loads Connected)

  1. Add fuel (only when the generator is off and cool)
  2. Start the generator without anything plugged in
  3. Let it stabilize for 1–2 minutes

Step 4: Run Power to the ONT

  1. Plug an outdoor-rated extension cord into the generator
  2. Run the cord through a door or window gap (do not pinch or crush it)
  3. Plug the extension cord into:
    • The ONT power supply
    • A surge protector, then plug ONT into that (recommended)

💡 The ONT typically uses very little power (similar to a nightlight).

Step 5: Power Your Wi-Fi Router

  1. Plug the router into:
    • The same surge protector or
    • A second extension cord from the generator
  2. Wait 2–5 minutes for:
    • ONT lights to stabilize
    • Router to reboot

Once both devices are powered, internet service should return if the network is operational in your area.

Step 6: Confirm Connection

Check:

  • ONT lights are solid (no red alarms)
  • Router lights are active
  • Try loading a website on your phone or laptop

If internet does not return:

  • Power-cycle the router first
  • Then power-cycle the ONT (wait 30 seconds)

What NOT to Do (Critical Safety Rules)

🚫 Do NOT plug the generator into:

  • Wall outlets
  • Breaker panels
  • Dryer outlets

🚫 Do NOT power your whole home without:

  • A professionally installed transfer switch

🚫 Do NOT overload the generator
(Internet equipment uses very little power — keep it that way)

Pro Tips for Reliable Internet During Outages

✔ Use a small UPS between generator and ONT for clean power
✔ Label ONT and router cords ahead of time
✔ Keep extension cords dry and elevated
✔ Refuel only after turning generator off and cooling down

Quick Reality Check

  • Internet service requires both local power and network availability
  • If fiber lines are damaged, service may still be interrupted
  • Powering your ONT ensures you’re ready the moment service is restored