Recent events such as hurricanes and major tropical storms have highlighted the need for emergency preparedness. These acts of nature tend to cause tremendous damage, but that damage can be mitigated to some extent through preparation. Wireless technology allows an unprecedented level of emergency preparedness. Here are some ways you can make sure your cell phone is prepared for any emergency situation.

Prepare Your Phone With Contact Information

Make sure all important numbers such as the local police department, hospital and fire department are programmed into your phone. In a major emergency, 911 may be tied up or have a longer response time, so having these numbers at hand may prove crucial. Of course, friends and family members who you will want to contact in an emergency should be programmed into your phone as well.

It's a good idea to choose a friend or family member who is outside a potential emergency area to serve as a contact person. This can be someone who everyone can call, in order to coordinate evacuation or rescue plans.

Protect Your Phone From the Elements

Your cell phone can't help you if it is not working. Keep your phone battery charged at all times and keep an extra battery handy for extra phone life if your phone should die. Make sure to keep your phone protected from the potential wind or water damage that may occur in a hurricane or tropical storm.

Make Use of Text Messages

Sometimes when a regular call won't go through or won't go through quickly enough, a text message will. Don't forget that text messaging is an option in an emergency situation.

Use All of Your Phone's Features

If your phone has Internet access, you can use it to obtain weather reports, information about new developments in the storm, tips on how to protect yourself and even evacuation procedures. If your phone has a camera, use it to take pictures of damaged items in your home for insurance purposes. Users can also take advantage of a cell phone camera in the event of a car accident, for example.

AT&T is dedicated to protecting and aiding its users in case of a hurricane or tropical storm emergency. With millions of dollars dedicated to hardening the network against hurricanes, including mobile command centers and over a thousand generators at cell sites, AT&T will be prepared when disaster strikes. If AT&T customers can do their part, then the next time disaster strikes, the damage can be minimized and people can go back to living their normal lives as quickly as possible.

 

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