Any Data Port In A Storm

(It is shortly after a Hurricane Katrina. We caught some heavy winds and high water. The customer is in a beach-front condo. Tier one customer support has just forwarded me this customer’s ticket and call.)

Me: “This is tier three support. How may I help you?”

Customer: “I have a really dumb question.”

Me: “That’s okay. I work in IT. I’m used it them.”

Customer: “Okay. I’m in [Condo] and there’s no power. My laptop has a good battery though. Is my internet out because of the power outage?”

Me: “Yes. Our equipment is tied into the building power. Can I ask how you’re in [Condo]? The entire first floor is blown out and under water.”

Customer: “I stayed here during the storm. Dumbest thing I’ve ever done. I’m trapped and bored.”

Me: “Do you need me to contact rescue?”

Customer: “Oh, no. Thank you. They know I’m here. I waved to them this morning.”

(I talked to the customer for another hour because neither of us were busy. I wonder how long he was trapped there. Our service didn’t restore for at least three weeks.)