- Charge cell phones and extra batteries before predicted storms hit.
- Program emergency contacts into cell phones.
- Consider purchasing a car charger or solar charger for cell phones.
- Text message or email instead of calling on cell phones to help alleviate network overuse.
- Send short text messages on cell phones. They are more likely to go through and will stay in queue until they can be sent.
- Wait 10 seconds before redialing on cell phones to allow networks time to clear data.
- Sometimes cell phones will not work during an extended power outage.
- Keep phones and batteries dry.
- Save cell phone batteries by using working land lines.
- Make calls only in an emergency to keep land lines and networks as free as possible.
- Remember land line cordless phones don’t work during a power outage.
- Buy a corded phone. They work even when the power is out.
- Use walkie talkies to communicate short distances.
- Have more than one method of communication as land lines, cell phones, cable, internet, and electricity can all be disrupted and at different times.
- Leave written notes for people if the previous methods do not work.
- If you evacuate, forward land line numbers to cell phones.
- If you evacuate, take your phone chargers and extra batteries with you.
- It’s often easier to call out of the affected area than within it so…
- Have a central contact outside the storm area so family and friends can check in if they become separated from your group.
- Consider using the Crisis Response page on Facebook to let family and friends know you are okay.
- If you have a camera phone, take photos of damaged property to send to your insurance company.
References — Houston Chronicle, 22 September 2005; AT&T.