06/22/2026
Storm Outage Tips
Internet, TV, Phone, and Business Services
Severe weather can impact internet, TV, phone, and business services. Here are a few practical steps to help you stay connected and reduce damage during a storm.
Please call Consolidated at 701.483.4000 for any questions, concerns, or outage related issues.
Before the Storm
Charge your devices.
Keep cell phones, tablets, laptops, and backup batteries fully charged in case power goes out.
Save important numbers.
Write down or save key contacts, including your service provider, electric company, emergency services, and business support contacts.
Use surge protection.
Plug modems, routers, TVs, phones, computers, and business equipment into quality surge protectors.
Back up important files.
Businesses should back up critical documents, customer records, phone system settings, and cloud-based tools before severe weather hits.
During an Outage
Check your power first.
If your modem, router, TV box, or phone equipment has no power, services will not work until power is restored.
Restart equipment safely.
After power returns, unplug your modem, router, TV box, or phone adapter for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Give the equipment several minutes to reconnect.
Avoid repeated resets.
Resetting equipment over and over can slow down reconnection. One proper reboot is usually enough.
Use mobile data when needed.
If available, use your cell phone as a temporary backup for checking updates, email, or emergency information.
Internet Tips
Keep your modem and router elevated and away from windows or possible water.
Do not use damaged cords or equipment.
After power returns, reconnect the modem first, then the router.
Expect service restoration to take time if lines or network equipment were damaged.
TV Tips
Check that your TV box has power.
Make sure HDMI and coax cables are secure.
Reboot the TV box after power returns.
Weather-related signal issues may continue until outside equipment is repaired.
Phone Tips
Cordless phones may not work during a power outage unless the base has backup power.
Keep at least one charged cell phone available.
Business phone systems may require internet or power to operate.
Emergency calls should be made from a working mobile phone if your landline or business phone system is down.
Business Service Tips
Review your backup internet, phone forwarding, and voicemail options before storm season.
Keep routers, switches, servers, and phone equipment on battery backup when possible.
Make sure employees know who to contact if systems go down.
After service returns, test phones, internet, point-of-sale systems, security cameras, and cloud-based tools.
Safety Comes First
Do not approach downed lines, damaged poles, flooded equipment, or exposed wiring. Report damage and wait for trained crews to make repairs.
We know outages are frustrating. Crews work as quickly and safely as conditions allow to restore service after severe weather.
