BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Alabama is
vulnerable to storms and hurricanes that form in the Atlantic Ocean
and the Gulf of Mexico, and with
hurricanes comes possible tornadoes and severe flooding.
With the 2015 hurricane season officially underway as of
June 1, Alabamians should be
preparing an emergency communication plan to keep their families
safe and in touch during any severe weather event.
Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless carrier, offers
these tips to keep in touch and out of danger during storm
season:
- Keep phones, tablets, batteries, chargers and other equipment
in a dry, accessible location. Simple zip-lock storage bags will
shield devices, and today there are many waterproof phones, cases
and other protective accessories.
- Keep phone and tablet batteries fully charged – in case local
power is lost – well before warnings are issued.
- Have additional charged batteries and car-charger adapters
available for back-up power. Numerous chargers, including
solar-powered devices, make it easy to stay powered up.
- Maintain a list of emergency numbers – police and fire
agencies; power and insurance companies; family, friends and
co-workers; etc. – and program them into your wireless devices
before an emergency arises.
- Distribute wireless phone numbers to family members and
friends.
- Use your tablet to conveniently photograph and catalogue your
valuables and other household belongings for possible insurance
claims.
- Access dozens of free weather-, news- and safety-related
services for smartphones and tablets. With 4G LTE technology, users
can enjoy high-speed downloads, high-definition pictures and video,
and advanced performance in a broad array of these
applications.
Once a storm is on the way, Verizon Wireless suggests the
following tips for enhanced emergency communications and
safety:
- Limit non-emergency calls to conserve battery power and free-up
wireless networks for emergency agencies and operations.
- Send brief text messages rather than voice calls.
- Forward your home phone calls to your wireless number if you
evacuate.
- Check weather and news reports on wireless phone applications –
like the Ready Alabama website, or apps from aid and
relief organizations such as the American Red
Cross' apps for first-aid, hurricane and shelter and
FEMA's Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) – when power
is out.
"Alabama regularly faces many
types of natural disasters year round including hurricanes,
tornadoes, severe storms, wildfires and floods. Wireless technology
can help people stay prepared and safe in a storm. It is critical
for Alabamians to remain vigilant and be prepared," said
Jonathan LeCompte, president of
Verizon Wireless' Georgia/Alabama
Region.
Over the course of 2014, Verizon Wireless invested more than
$129 million in network enhancements
across Alabama including 57 new
cell sites and the continued rollout of the company's XLTE
technology. The company's ongoing network investment in
Alabama now totals more than
$1.1 billion since the company was
formed in 2000.
"We have a relentless focus on providing our customers with the
most reliable network possible. No matter what is happening, be it
large scale events or natural disasters, Alabamians expect our
network to deliver," said LeCompte.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the
nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network. As the
largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 108.2
million retail customers, including 102.1 million retail postpaid
customers. Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon
Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ). For more information,
visit www.verizonwireless.com. For the latest news and
updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at
http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/VZWNews.
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SOURCE Verizon Wireless