A provider of wireless voice and broadband Internet services and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leap Wireless (News - Alert) International, Cricket Communications is prepping for the anticipated storm-related effects of Hurricane Irene as it makes its expected path up the eastern seaboard. Cricket teams from South Carolina northward to New Jersey are preparing for possible power outages, flooding and other likely impacts from the storm.

Actively monitoring Hurricane Irene's projected path, Cricket's engineering, operational and safety and security teams are activating previously prepared emergency plans designed to keep the networks operational and customer services operating as normally as possible, according to a release.

Generators are being placed just outside the areas likely to be affected that can be deployed quickly to offset the loss of power to cell sites or other company facilities. In addition, previously purchased fuel pods are also standing by to ensure a steady supply of fuel to the generators.

Cricket is encouraging wireless users to ready themselves for the potential loss of power and flooding with the following tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

·         Charge your battery and have a backup

·         Store useful phone numbers

·         Create a group for your emergency contacts

·         Send text messages

·         Bookmark useful mobile sites

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