Satellite Delivers Disaster Relief Assistance
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 as well as Hurricanes Ike and Dolly in 2008 emphasized the vulnerabilities of the terrestrial infrastructures. Critical voice and data communications were offline. Wireline circuits were damaged, and wireless and cellular technologies were knocked out since they are dependant on land-based transmission equipment. These experiences re-emphasized what most planners already knew, the importance of having a truly independent means of communications immune to the components of terrestrial networks.
Emergency communications is not just for first responders. The ability to maintain data and voice connectivity in the face of emergencies or natural disasters is critical for many types of organizations, including retail stores, financial institutions, and utility organizations. Even a small scale telecommunications outage can create significant risks for an organization and the affected communities.
Satellite networks have always been the only truly redundant, diverse, and independent means of back-up communications. The ability to deliver communications capabilities anywhere independent of land-based assets makes satellite a unique component of emergency communications. Historically, however, satellite was viewed as having limited communications capabilities, making it difficult to justify the expense for a network that you not only hoped to never need, but one that couldn’t support you fully when you did.
That perception belies the enormous gains satellite technology and network functionality have made in the last several years. Today’s satellite services offer organizations a more reliable, secure and cost-effective network solution than previous generations. Satellite has adopted next-generation protocols that support faster speeds, advanced functionality and applications such as two-way video, voice over Internet Protocol and virtually any other IP application.
As satellite performance has gone up, and cost has come down, an increasing number of companies are including satellite in their emergency response plan and are exploring new technologies and solutions to meet these requirements. One of these companies is HEB Grocery Co., one of the nation’s largest independently owned food retailers. Based in San Antonio, Texas, HEB employs more than 70,000, operates more than 300 stores, and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities. HEB implemented its own satellite emergency response communications plan to ensure access to critical services in the face of unforeseen events.
During Hurricanes Dolly and Ike, HEB’s rapidly deployable satellite solution, provided by Spacenet Inc., McLean, Va., provided critical communications in support of emergency services for affected communities in Texas. The company was able to deliver relief supplies and provide pharmacy and business services to residents.
“Spacenet’s satellite services and transportable equipment were a critical component to the operation of our disaster response units,” said Justen Noakes, HEB emergency preparedness coordinator. “The system worked extremely well and enabled data communications to be up and running within minutes after the DRU was parked.”
After Dolly and Ike knocked out the infrastructure in many areas, leaving people without power or access to basic supplies, HEB deployed its DRUs to affected communities. Each DRU typically consists of a single trailer that provides pharmacy and business center services, plus accompanying vehicles -- a bunkhouse trailer, bathing/restroom trailer, water tanker, fuel tanker and a cargo trailer -- that help sustain its operation.
Each DRU also is equipped with Spacenet’s Connexstar satellite services and transportable auto-pointing antenna. This system enabled each DRU to support critical communications, including high-speed broadband data, during the hurricane relief efforts. Emergency services included a mobile HEB pharmacy unit and mobile business services unit that enabled displaced residents to receive medications, cash checks and pay bills. HEB’s mobile kitchen also joined the convoy to prepare and serve hot meals onsite to residents and volunteers.
“HEB’s disaster response unit is an impressive system that provides invaluable services to the community during emergency situations,” said Glenn Katz, Spacenet president and chief operation officer. “Having a reliable communications system is a critical component of emergency response. Spacenet’s transportable satellite solution ultimately helps HEB focus on its core mission during relief efforts by providing a high-quality and dependable communications network for affected communities.”
Satellite’s ability to quickly establish a broadband network virtually anywhere that isn’t susceptible to damage of physical lines or cables makes it a key component of connectivity for emergency communications or first responders. As demonstrated by HEB, satellite communications provide a critical role to ensure constant access to communications -- despite unforeseen circumstances. It’s not just an emergency system that you hope to never use.