Hurricane Michael Reveals Response Shortfalls

Here’s What You Should Know

1. When natural disasters hit, traditional radios can become inoperable, disabling communication between rescue teams and public safety responders.

2.Even with limited cell phone coverage, Tango Tango was used as an emergency communication solution when radio towers were inoperable.

3. Through secure smartphone integration, Tango Tango enables complete cooperation through our secure mobile push-to-talk app, allowing personnel to achieve direct communication when it matters most.

“Due to Hurricane Michael, the state repeater was down, rendering our radios useless. But we were able to utilize Tango Tango to conduct our emergency communications via cellular phones.”

Mark Pergola
Captain | Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Florida

In October of 2018, category 5 Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle region, causing catastrophic damage from wind and storm surge. As a result, Captain Mark Pergola of the Seminole County Sheriff’s office and his team were deployed to the Florida Panhandle for three weeks in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

Upon arrival, Pergola’s team was met with limited radio infrastructure, limited cell phone capabilities, and the inability to communicate with their host agency due to an incompatible radio system. Additionally, the state repeater was down in the area, rendering their radios useless unless the team transmitted directly within the proximity of other radios. Due to the life-threatening storm surge, structural damage, and inland flooding, the anticipated restoration time was weeks, if not months. As a result, Pergola’s team had to act quickly to communicate with his team and fellow public safety officers to manage recovery efforts.

Despite the limited cell phone coverage in the area, the Seminole County Sheriff’s office was able to use Tango Tango to conduct emergency communications via cellular phones. Through Tango Tango, Pergola’s team could skillfully communicate with their command post and provide emergency communication solutions when radio towers were inoperable.

“We cannot thank you enough for allowing us to test your product and extending that test while we were deployed to one of the most powerful hurricanes to strike Florida in a long time.”

Mark Pergola
Captain | Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Florida

Your mission is to respond quickly during natural disasters and to protect your community. However, because of the impacts of severe weather, traditional radios can become inoperable, disabling your ability to communicate with your team and public safety responders. Through secure smartphone integration, Tango Tango enables complete cooperation in the palm of your hand. Our secure mobile push-to-talk app has built-in limitless radio capabilities to ensure you can achieve direct communication with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Stay ready, with Tango Tango.