To prepare for this week's snow and ice forecast across Tennessee,
AT&T is offering Winter Storm Tips. AT&T has added capacity as well as backup power. It's interesting to note that their plan includes having a non-electric powered landline and keeping your cell phone dry and programmed with emergency call numbers. Verizon also offered cold weather tips.
Make sure you have a "Winter Storm Phone."
It is a good idea to have a wireless phone on hand and at least one
corded (landline) telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case
of a power outage. Cordless telephones usually have receivers that
require electricity, so they won't work if you lose your power.
Keep non-emergency calls to a minimum.
If there is severe weather, chances are many people will be attempting
to place calls to loved ones, friends and business associates.
Program all of your emergency contact numbers and email addresses into your mobile phone. Numbers should include the police department, fire station and hospital, as well as your family members.
Verizon suggests the following:
- Keep your phone fully charged. Cold temperatures can run down the
phone's battery charge more quickly. Use a car charger to keep the
phone's charge if you get stranded or stuck in traffic on icy or snowy
roads. Think about an extra battery as backup. - Handle your phone with care. The display screen can become brittle when exposed to cold temperatures for long periods of time.
- Keep
your phone in a warm place; avoid leaving it in an outside pocket or
backpack or in the car overnight. When outside in the cold weather,
carry your phone in an inside jacket pocket, keeping it close to your
body for warmth. - Remember that you can't dial or access the keyboard
on a touchscreen with gloves, so consider investing in a pair of
finger flip gloves.
More AT&T Tips:
Keep your wireless phone's battery charged at all times.
Have an alternative plan to recharge your battery in case of a power
outage, such as charging your wireless device by using a car charger or
having extra charged mobile phone batteries or disposable mobile phone
batteries on hand.
Keep your wireless phone dry.
The biggest threat to your device during a storm is water, so keep your
equipment safe from the elements by storing it in a baggie or some
other type of protective covering.
Have a family communication plan in place.
Designate someone out of the area as a central contact, and make
certain that all family members know whom to contact if they become
separated. Most important, practice your emergency plan in advance.
Use text messaging. During
an emergency situation, text messages will often go through quicker
than voice calls because they require less network resources. All of
AT&T's wireless devices are text messaging capable.
Take advantage of weather text-alert programs.
AT&T participates in a number of text alert school closing
notification programs. The company's customers should check their local
news websites to see if weather related text alert programs are
available in their area.
Track the storm and access weather information on your wireless device.
Many homes lose power during severe weather. If you have a wireless
device that provides access to the Internet, you can watch weather
reports and get regular updates on your phone.
Take advantage of location-based mapping technology.
Services such as AT&T Navigator and AT&T FamilyMap can help you
avoid traffic congestion from downed trees or power lines, as well as
track a family member's wireless device in case you get separated.
Use your camera phone, take photos - even video clips - of damaged property for your insurance company from your device.
AT&T
monitors and maintains its networks 24/7 and conducts readiness drills
throughout the year to ensure that the networks and personnel are ready
to respond in a moment's notice.
AT&T's wireless network storm preparations include:
- Adding capacity to the wireless network to accommodate increased call volume.
- Testing the high-capacity backup batteries located at every cell site.
- Topping off generators with fuel at cell sites and central and field-level switching facilities.
- Staging mobile cell sites and portable generators in safe locations for their immediate deployment once a storm has passed.
- Expanding
the number of fixed power generators at our wireless cell sites. These
permanent generators are in addition to the battery backup power that we
have at every wireless cell site across Tennessee.
AT&T
representatives at AT&T Tennessee retail store locations can also
provide additional tips for charging extra cell phone batteries and
learning how to text.