If you live anywhere near the Gulf or East Coast, you already know that hurricane season isn’t just something to keep an eye on. It’s something you plan around. And for small business owners or folks working from home, a big storm can throw a wrench in, well, everything.

Researchers predict 17 named storms and nine hurricanes over the 2025 season. Let’s talk about what you can do now to stay connected and keep your business running, even if the weather gets wild. And don’t forget to download our free hurricane prep checklist to help make sure you’ve got all your bases covered.

Why fiber internet makes a difference in bad weather

When a storm rolls in, old-school internet connections can get spotty fast. Fiber is a different story. It’s built to hold up better in extreme weather—it doesn’t rely on copper lines and isn’t as vulnerable to lightning or moisture.

That means if you’re still on DSL or cable, now is a great time to consider switching. Fiber internet can be the difference between “business as usual” and scrambling to get back online.

Back up your stuff—seriously

We all say we’ll do it later, but if you haven’t backed up your data recently, make it a priority. Cloud storage is your friend here. It keeps your files safe and accessible, even if your local systems go down.

Think customer records, invoices, supplier info—anything you’d panic about losing. Automating those backups saves time and could save your business if things go south.

Have a game plan, not just a “hope plan”

We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we prepare for it. For small business owners, that might mean:

  • Letting your team know how to check in if your usual communication channels are down
  • Prepping flexible schedules in case you need to shut down early or re-open later
  • Making sure you’ve got a reliable way to connect—whether that’s mobile hotspots, battery backups, or both
  • Keeping an eye on provider communications to get an idea of when services may be restored

If you work from home, it’s the same deal. Have your emergency contacts saved, know where your backup power sources are, and make sure your devices are charged well before the storm hits. Texts, social media, or group chats can help keep everyone in the loop if cell service takes a hit.

Kinetic’s got your back

We’ve been through more than a few storm seasons ourselves, so we know how important it is to stay connected when the power’s out and the winds are howling. That’s why we’re continuing to expand our fiber footprint to help small businesses and home offices stay online when it matters most.

“Our commitment to our customers is real—we were there in the community before the storm, we’ll be there after the storm because we live there too,” said Rich Murtha, Kinetic’s Senior Engineer. “If storms do impact our service in your community, you should know that Kinetic will be right there, working right alongside your first responders and local authorities to restore service as quickly and safely as possible. I can’t guarantee storms won’t damage service in the area, but I will guarantee that my technicians and I will be right there beside you working to rebuild.”

Prep now so you’re not scrambling later

Hurricane season is unpredictable, but your internet and communication plan doesn’t have to be. Taking a few simple steps now can make a huge difference when a storm is in the forecast. Whether you’re running a boutique downtown, managing a remote team, or handling the books from your kitchen table, stay safe—and stay connected—with Kinetic.

Learn more and download our free Hurricane Prep Checklist!