All the major carriers are ready for Hurricane Sandy (read disaster tips). The Red Cross has apps to help find shelters and you can donate to aid those who are affected by the hurricane.
The FCC encourages people to limit non-emergency voice calls and to keep calls brief to avoid network congestion.
To find a shelter, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check local media outlets. They should also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, that helps families connect during emergencies.
Text-to-Donate for $10 donations:
- REDCROSS to 90999 to support the American Red Cross.
- STORM to 80888 to give to the Salvation Army.
- HUMANE to 80888 for the American Humane Association.
- UWHC to 52000 to the United Way of Hudson County, N.J..
Verizon AT&T and Sprint have stated that they are ready to weather the storm.
- Verizon is tracking the storm's effect on its operations and deploying additional equipment including portable cell towers on wheels to keep services ready. Verizon has increased stocks of car phone chargers and portable charging devices in case of power failure.
- AT&T said in a company statement it has "arsenal of disaster response equipment and personnel on standby." It has "back-up and permanent generators at critical cell sites and switching facilities."
- Sprint has deployed portable generators in affected areas and has repair teams waiting on standby. It has closed some Sprint stores in New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
The Red Cross app features:
- One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way.
- Location-based NOAA weather alerts for the United States and its territories users can share on social networks.
- Remote monitoring of personalized weather alerts where family and friends reside
- Locations of open Red Cross shelters.
- Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan.
- Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps even without mobile connectivity.
- Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm.
- Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.