As CEO of CSE Crosscom’s North American operations, which include Radio One, Chicago Communications, and RFC Wireless, I’ve seen firsthand how unpredictable Mother Nature can be. From tornadoes and blizzards in the Midwest, to earthquakes in California, to hurricanes along Florida’s coast, severe weather events have the power to disrupt entire communities and put lives, businesses, and public safety operations at risk.Â
Here at Radio One, our mission is clear: to keep people connected and safe when it matters most. As part of the CSE Crosscom family, we bring together the strength of our broader organization while staying deeply rooted in the communities we serve across Florida. As we enter the height of hurricane season, our team is focused on standing shoulder to shoulder with our customers to ensure their mission-critical communications are ready when disaster strikes.Â
Florida’s location along the Atlantic hurricane corridor means that communities, businesses, and emergency responders must be prepared every year. High winds, flooding, and storm surge can disrupt power and cellular networks, making emergency and operational communications difficult, if not impossible. That’s why organizations across the state rely on resilient two-way radio systems to maintain safety, coordinate response efforts, and ensure business continuity during severe weather.Â
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting an especially active season, with the potential for up to 19 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and as many as 5 major hurricanes. Those numbers are not just statistics, they represent real challenges that families, communities, and businesses may face. And while we cannot control the weather, we can control how we prepare for it.Â
One of the most reliable tools during and after a storm has always been two-way radio communication. Unlike cellular networks that can be compromised when towers lose power, two-way radio systems are built to withstand extreme conditions. They operate independently, provide instant push-to-talk connectivity, and ensure seamless coordination across teams and even with local public safety agencies. Features such as group calls, interoperability, and ruggedized hardware mean that emergency communications remain operational, even in the toughest conditions.Â
Preparation goes beyond hardware. Modern emergency communications solutions, including Motorola Solutions’ Radio Alerts and Rave Alerts, extend the power of two-way radios. These tools deliver automated storm warnings, mass notifications, and integrated public alerts directly to the people who need them most, via radio, voice, text, email, mobile apps, and even social media. By leveraging these solutions, organizations can respond faster, coordinate more effectively, and protect employees, first responders, and the public during hurricanes or other disasters.Â
For businesses, municipalities, schools, and healthcare providers, maintaining uninterrupted communications during a hurricane is mission-critical. From coordinating staff and resources to ensuring public safety and continuity of operations, robust two-way radio systems paired with alert software provide peace of mind and operational resilience when storms strike.Â
Of course, technology alone is not enough. What truly sets Radio One and our CSE Crosscom family of companies apart is our people. With a 24/7 dispatch center and a team of certified technicians across the country, we are always ready to respond when our customers need us. We take pride in being reliable partners, not just service providers.Â
We cannot fool Mother Nature, but we can be ready for her. At Radio One, together with our Chicago Communications and RFC Wireless partners under the CSE Crosscom family, our commitment is clear. Â
We safeguard the communications you rely on so your teams can focus on what matters most: protecting lives, serving communities, and continuing operations through the storm.Â
Stay safe this season,Â
Michael O’ConnorÂ
CEO, CSE Crosscom USAÂ
About the Author
Michael O’ConnorÂ
CEO of Crosscom
US and EU
Michael O’Connor is the CEO of Crosscom US and EU, a global leader in innovative safety and security solutions. With more than 30 years of experience at Motorola, Michael has been instrumental in shaping the channel and championing the integration of voice, video, and data technologies. Now leading Crosscom’s operations across both the US and EU, he is dedicated to driving the evolution of safety and security with cutting-edge solutions like Orchestrate, enabling organizations to proactively detect, prevent, and respond to threats in real-time. Driven by a passion for creating safer environments, Michael’s mission is to ensure that everyone—whether in schools, hospitals, workplaces, or public spaces—can return home safely each day.
Outside of his professional life, Michael is a devoted family man whose inspiration comes from his wife and four children, including college-age triplets, and his granddaughter. Their influence fuels his passion for creating a safer world. To stay active and energized, Michael is an avid marathon runner, having completed more than 30 marathons.
