Hurricane and Storm Season Is Here: Optimum Urges Consumers to Stay Safe, Prepared and Connected

New survey from connectivity provider underscores importance of connectivity and preparedness during severe weather

NEW YORK (JUNE 2, 2026) - As hurricane and severe storm season begins across the United States, Optimum, a leading provider of fiber internet, mobile and TV services, is encouraging families to prepare early for potential weather-related power and connectivity disruptions that can affect entire communities during major storms.

A new nationwide survey conducted on behalf of Optimum¹found that Americans are concerned about the impact severe weather can have on their ability to stay connected, with many saying they rely on internet and mobile service for critical needs such as accessing emergency services and updates and communicating with loved ones.

According to the survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults, 86% say it is important to stay connected during severe weather, while 72% believe weather is at least somewhat likely to impact connectivity in their area in the next 12 months.

The survey also found:

• Nearly half of respondents (46%) who experienced an outage during severe weather said they had difficulty getting news and information about the severe weather.

• More than half (52%) said they rely on internet or mobile services to communicate with family and friends during severe weather events.

• Only 36% of respondents said they feel confident they have enough information to prepare for future outages.

• Just half (51%) reported having backup phone batteries or power banks available.

Consumers across hurricane-prone and severe-weather regions are increasingly recognizing the importance of preparedness.

"Staying connected during severe weather is critical, especially when families depend on internet and mobile services for emergency information, communication, and access to essential resources," said Sean O'Connell, Senior Vice President, General Manager at Optimum. "That's why Optimum begins preparing long before the first storm forms, activating pre-season readiness plans to ensure our teams, tools, and technology are in place to respond quickly and support customers when storms strike. As we head into hurricane season, we also encourage consumers to take simple steps now to prepare for potential outages and stay safe and informed."