Force Against the Storm
Microsoft Teams Up with ITDRC’s Tech Task Force to Aid Communities in Crisis
Hurricane Michael rips through Florida with devastating force. “God help us” and “Don’t forget us” signs mark Highway 98 through Florida, reflecting the desperation of survivors. The third most intense Atlantic hurricane by pressure made landfall on October 10, 2018, at 2 p.m. EDT with 155 mph winds and a central pressure of 919 mb — matching Hurricane Maria’s destructive intensity.
The hurricane caused extensive damage across four states: North Carolina experienced flooded rivers and 530,000 citizens lost electricity. Georgia’s agriculture sustained $23.3 billion in losses. Overall damage reached $5.5 billion with 47 fatalities.
Survivors faced damaged homes, lost vehicles, and tents as temporary shelter. Beyond physical loss, residents prioritized reconnecting with loved ones. ITDRC stepped in to facilitate communication — recognizing that connection itself constitutes aid during crisis recovery.
Beginning Again
When ITDRC deploys to disaster zones, they prioritize helping as many people as possible through a structured approach: life safety assistance to emergency services, support for mass care facilities, and both short-term and long-term community recovery programs. Equipment often remains deployed for over a year until communities no longer require assistance.
ITDRC arrived in Georgia on October 12, 2018, responding to Albany’s initial request, with additional requests flowing from communities across a 200-mile stretch toward the Gulf of Mexico.
ITDRC and Microsoft Team Up for the Greater Good
Following a 2017 FEMA conference, ITDRC and Microsoft established a partnership that deepened during Hurricane Michael response efforts. Microsoft mobilized employee volunteers and equipment alongside ITDRC operations.
Jane Meseck, Senior Director for Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact team, noted that “Microsoft has a long history of empowering organizations to support those in need, and with ITDRC, we are supporting a trusted, dedicated organization which brings technological assistance to communities in need.”
After Hurricane Michael, Microsoft supported ITDRC during California’s Camp Fire response by providing hardware and software enabling schools to resume limited operations and assisting relief nonprofits. In 2019, Microsoft donated 1,500 systems with licensing, helping over a dozen communities in recovery with potential to assist hundreds more.
Microsoft Volunteers Take Action in Recovery
The partnership extends beyond equipment to include skilled technical volunteers. Nate Bahta, a technical account manager, and Chris Conte, a senior consultant, responded to Microsoft’s disaster deployment program. Their work during Hurricane Michael proved transformative.
Conte observed: “Internet is a big deal, especially for people trying to fill out FEMA applications and to go from nothing to being able to communicate and make a simple phone call, that’s life saving.”
Bahta and Conte helped establish 69 sites across Florida, including evacuation shelters in schools, churches, municipal buildings, and medical facilities. They installed computers, wired phones, and connected internet infrastructure. Conte initially felt overwhelmed witnessing mass devastation firsthand but found encouragement in understanding the impact of volunteer assistance.
Bahta noted their shared commitment: “It wasn’t about our companies at all, but what we can do together.”
During their 90-minute daily drive back to base operations, both volunteers assisted anyone they encountered, including a gas station attendant with technical issues. This interaction profoundly affected Bahta, who later reflected on his daughter’s observation that he was a “super hero,” motivating his ongoing involvement.
Unity of Purpose
The partnership between Microsoft and ITDRC continues evolving beyond initial disaster response. Conte stated that the experience “changed the trajectory of what I was doing inside Microsoft, that experience got me more excited to help,” and he now recruits additional volunteers within the company.
Microsoft and ITDRC are collaborating to train and prepare employees for future disasters. As efforts continue, the message remains clear: “These kinds of things, disasters, they’re happening all the time and there are ways you can get involved, there’s a place for you to help no matter who you are and ITDRC is out there helping everyday.”
