Here is some information that might be helpful if communication systems go down:
Cellular phones
Most cellular companies have cell sites in hurricane-prone areas equipped with permanent or portable generators in the event of power outages, which are prevalent during storms.
More permanent and portable generators have been added, and some companies back up their cell sites with batteries to prevent outages.
Teleco Technology Solutions brought the first Mobile Telephone System into the market following Katrina. The system requires no wires or cables and can function with AC power or electricity provided by a generator. If cellular service is inoperable, satellite service is also available. Details: (228) 867-1978
To maximize use of cell phones during an emergency, here are some tips:
• Text messages will often go through quicker than voice calls during an emergency situation. Depending on your call plan, additional charges may apply.
• Program all of your emergency contact numbers into your cell phone, including the police department, fire station and hospital, as well as your family members.
• Have a family communications plan in place. Designate someone out of the area as a central contact, and make certain all family members know whom to contact if they become separated.
• Keep your wireless phone batteries charged at all times. Have an alternate plan to recharge your battery in case of power outages (i.e. charging via your car charger, extra cell phone batteries, and use of a disposable cell phone battery).
• Keep your wireless phone dry.
• Forward your home number to your wireless number in the event of an evacuation. Since call forwarding is based out of the telephone central office, you will get incoming calls from your landline phone, even if your local telephone service is disrupted at your home.
• Keep non-emergency calls to a minimum. Chances are that if there is severe weather, many people will be attempting to place wireless calls to loved ones, friends and business associates.
• Wait 10 seconds before redialing a call. On many wireless phones, to redial a number you simply push "send" after you've ended a call to redial the previous number. If you do this too quickly, the data from the phone to the cell site does not have enough time to clear and may contribute to network congestion.
• Use your wireless phone to access weather and news updates. Many homes lose power during severe weather. If you have a wireless phone that provides access to the Internet, you can watch the latest weather and news report.
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