Telecommunications provider Flow has confirmed that its teams and systems are fully prepared for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, as the island braces for possible adverse weather conditions.

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has placed the country under a tropical storm watch, indicating that strong winds, heavy rainfall, and possible flooding are expected as the system moves closer to the island.

Flow says it activated its Emergency Operations Centre and its Local Crisis Management Team on Tuesday, (October 21), as part of its established hurricane readiness protocol. The company is assuring customers that if service interruptions occur, measures are in place to restore connectivity as soon as it is safe to do so, beginning with a damage assessment and prioritising essential services.

“Since the start of the year, we have been collaborating with key stakeholders to strengthen our business continuity systems and ensure network resilience during natural disasters. In the event of service loss, once clearance is given by ODPEM, our teams will be deployed to conduct restoration work,” said Danielle Savory, senior communications manager at Flow.  

Flow noted that more than 60 per cent of its mobile sites are equipped with alternative power sources, providing enhanced stability and faster restoration capabilities. In addition, the company has added 13 new mobile sites over the past three months, bringing improved connectivity and data capacity to rural locations across the parishes of St Ann, St Thomas, Manchester, St James, St Catherine, and Clarendon.

Since starting the underground relocation of its core network following Hurricane Beryl last year, the project is approximately 50 per cent completed. Progress has been made in Sandy Bay, Spur Tree, Porus and Mandeville. Flow says upon completion, the project will provide greater protection to its backbone network from storm-related damage.

As part of its mission to better serve customers, Flow will be offering special data and call plans to its prepaid mobile customers, helping Jamaicans stay connected with loved ones and emergency services throughout the storm. Customers are also encouraged to charge their devices, top up through the Flow Top Up App, and keep a list of emergency contacts nearby.

For emergency reports or service queries, customers may contact Flow at 1-800-804-2994 (residential) or 1-800-744-0222 (business). If customers witness any theft or vandalism of the company’s assets, they are encouraged to call the nearest police station or its Emergency Operations Centre at 876-929-9834 / 876-929-9837 / 876-920-7935.

Flow reaffirmed its commitment to keeping Jamaica connected, resilient, and informed throughout the hurricane season and beyond.