Better Matters – Delivering the Public Safety Promise

We run to a crisis, not away.

Verizon is committed to making sure our customers stay connected at all times, but most importantly during times of emergency. With the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network, our decades-long commitment to public safety, unparalleled redundancy and backup systems provide first responders with service they can count on. The first responder community sees connectivity as essential – not only for the work they do, but for the people they protect.

Support Where it Matters, When it Matters

The Verizon Response Team (VRT) is available 24/7/365 to ensure that our first responders stay connected by providing items like mobile hotspots, phones, charging stations and disaster response trailers.

And to get our networks ready for the unexpected, we test our infrastructure, make adjustments, and run Emergency Operation Center drills throughout the year – because first responders depend on the network to be there when it’s needed most.

Here are just a few specific things we do to get our network ready:

  • Verizon deploys strategically placed network assets like cells on wheels (COWs), cells on light trucks (COLTs) and other equipment to enhance or replace coverage when connectivity has been impaired by natural disasters.
  • We have backup generators, HVAC systems and fiber rings at cell sites and switching centers to keep the network running and customers connected when commercial power is lost.
  • We have built our network structures in hurricane-prone areas to withstand category 5 winds.
  • We place our cell sites and our switch facility HVAC systems on elevated platforms in flood-prone areas.
  • We pre-arrange fuel deliveries in case of a storm, with tankers poised and in position to quickly respond to hard-hit areas in case commercial power is lost.

2017 was one of the worst hurricane seasons on record. Verizon and its employees stood by our customers who were victims of hurricanes, wildfires and floods.

  • Verizon donated $75 million to disaster recovery and community projects throughout the U.S., including Puerto Rico, with $16.1 million supporting recovery efforts from Hurricanes Harvey, Maria and Irma, the California wildfires and other disasters.
  • Verizon committed $10 million to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, and $6 million for Hurricanes Maria and Irma, the California wildfires and other disasters.
  • More than 2,000 employees from Verizon’s call centers served as volunteers, taking donations for the Hand in Hand telethon to benefit survivors of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

We take pride in the relationship we’ve developed with the public safety agencies that serve our communities. For more than 12 years, Verizon has actively sponsored public safety events and programs such as the Memorial Fund. In partnership with the FBI National Academy Associates, Verizon supports the families of fallen heroes through the Fallen Officer’s Fund, so they can get through the initial hurdles of their tragedy. Verizon has also contributed more than $1.5 million to help fund the construction of the very first National Law Enforcement Museum.

Reliable Communications Are Key

First responders need innovative technologies and solutions to collaborate, communicate, and protect the community. And reliable communications are key. Verizon helps public safety agencies across the country to leverage our network and technology platforms to help maintain public safety, respond effectively to emergencies, and provide valuable situational awareness.

Verizon helps public safety agencies enhance their responses to day-to-day operations and to disasters through a dedicated portfolio of innovative solutions and technologies.

As examples, we offer:

  • IoT-enabled solutions such as fleet management services that help pinpoint the location of police and emergency vehicles;
  • Smart City technologies like Intelligent Video, Lighting, and Traffic Management for community safety;
  • A dedicated Public Safety Private Core, with always on priority and preemption services;
  • And we design and deliver our services in an open and non-proprietary manner, enabling current and future solutions to be interoperable with other wireless providers who support interoperability.

Learn more about our commitment to first responders at: www.verizonenterprise.com/industry/public_sector/public_safety/