Houston Media Urges Residents to Get Tech Ready for Hurricane Season

With hurricane season officially underway, Houston media outlets along with the help of Houston’s largest interest service provider, Comcast, are urging residents to ensure their home and business technology is ready for severe weather.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its 2025 forecast, predicting an active season with above-average water temperatures in the Atlantic setting the stage for future storms. 

NOAA’s 2025 forecast includes:

• 13 to 19 named storms
• 6 to 10 hurricanes
• 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3 or higher)

Hurricane Season Key Dates:

• Start Date: June 1
• End Date: November 30
• Peak Activity: Mid-August to mid-October

Xfinity’s Tips for Storm Preparedness

In addition to hurricane kits with medical supplies, food and water, residents in southeast Texas are urged to make sure their home and business technology is ready to weather the season.

“Using surge protectors for TVs, computers, gateways and commercial point of sales systems can prevent damage from lightning strikes and power surges,” Kallergis said. “And moving hardware off the floor helps safeguard against flooding.”

After Hurricane Beryl hit southeast Texas last year, millions were left without power, highlighting the essential role of internet access during disasters. Kallergis noted that restoring electricity takes priority, but once power crews finish their work, Comcast teams stand ready to reestablish Xfinity and Comcast Business services.

To further assist residents during emergencies, Xfinity offers several tools designed to maintain connectivity: 

1. Pro WiFi Extender is a device that keeps you connected even during power outages. This device includes a battery backup to help keep your home online for up to four hours through network and power outages with unlimited cellular data on a 4G LTE cellular network. Pro WiFi Extender is available for new and existing customers who add Xfinity Pro to their service plan. Xfinity Pro is available for $15/month and includes Pro WiFi Extender, up to two WiFi extenders, the latest gateway and Boost a Device– a new feature that lets you optimize a device on your network. Connection Pro is available for Comcast Business Customers.

2. Enroll in Text Alerts: Update your contact info through the Xfinity app or Xfinity.com to receive text alerts about service interruptions. Simply text START to 266278 (COMCST).  

3. Download the Xfinity Stream App: The Xfinity Stream app lets you watch live local news reports on any device, so you can stay informed no matter where you are. 

4. Check Your Data Plan: The Xfinity Mobile app allows you to adjust or upgrade your data plan, turning your phone into a hotspot if needed. 

Hurricane season runs through November, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October. Kallergis encouraged residents to visit their nearest Xfinity store for guidance on setting up storm-ready tech. 

“Now is the perfect time to prepare,” Kallergis said. “Staying informed and connected can make a big difference when severe weather strikes.”