Verizon Wireless Offers Tips to Prepare for Severe Weather

As the 2009 Tropical Hurricane Season heats up in the Southeast, Verizon Wireless said it is offering tips to be safer during strong weather and other emergencies:

-- Keep wireless phone 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.

-- Keep phones, batteries, chargers and other equipment in a dry, accessible location.

-- Keep a list of emergency phone numbers, including police, fire, and rescue agencies; insurance providers; and family, friends and co-workers, programmed into your phone.

-- Distribute wireless phone numbers to family members and friends.

-- Forward your home phone calls to your wireless number if you will be away from your home or have to evacuate.

If a storm already is striking or threatening, Verizon Wireless suggests these tips:

-- 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 for the same reasons as above.

-- Check weather/news reports available on wireless phone applications when power is out.

"Thorough preparation is the key to staying safe and in touch during emergencies," said Jerry Fountain, Carolinas/Tennessee region president for Verizon Wireless. "Residents should take prudent steps now, just as our teams have been in preparing the network to provide strong coverage and services to residents and emergency responders, no matter the situation."

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