Preparing for an emergency

Understand how power outages can affect your landline service

Know what type of landline service you have. Is your phone service delivered over broadband connections, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or is it traditional landline phone service, which typically runs over copper phone lines? If in doubt, ask your service provider.

Broadband enabled telephone service will not operate during power outages without a battery or other backup power source. If you have a battery, test it periodically, understand how long it should last, learn how to replace it, and consider having a spare that you can charge before a storm. If you do not have a battery or other backup power source, ask your provider where you can purchase one. (Read more: Tech Transition: Modernizing Communication Networks)

Traditional telephone service can work during power outages, although you may need to use a “corded” phone. Many cordless home phones rely on electrical power to operate.

Charge your cell phone, laptop or tablet if a storm is coming

Consider having extra batteries, a solar charger, or a car charger on hand. In the event of a power outage, you may be able to connect to the Internet using secure Wi-Fi if available nearby. You may also be able to use your charged laptop or tablet to recharge your mobile phone by connecting the devices with a USB cable, although this may drain your computer’s battery power.

Be prepared to monitor news and emergency broadcasts during power outages

Consider a battery-powered radio or portable television to check news broadcasts for emergency information during power outages. Make sure you have charged or fresh batteries if necessary. You can also buy a solar-powered or hand-operated radio, which can also be used to charge mobile phones, although you should check the user manual first.

Create a family emergency communication plan

Go to Ready.gov and create one family emergency communication plan.

Sign up to receive alerts and warnings

Sign up to receive alerts and warnings to your phone or mobile device from your local government, school and workplace. These local warnings may intensify Wireless emergency alarms you receive over your mobile phone and Emergency notification system alerts you receive over television and radio.

Create an “In Case of Emergency” contact on your cordless phone

Save at least one emergency contact named “In Case of Emergency” for all cell phones and devices. This will help someone identify your emergency contact if needed. Enter household and emergency contact information into all household members’ cell phones or devices.

Inform your emergency contact about medical problems

Inform your emergency contact of any medical problems or other requirements you may have.

Create an emergency contact list on mobile phones and devices

Create a group list on all cell phones and devices of the people you need to communicate with in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Write down important phone numbers

Write down phone numbers for emergency services, utilities, service providers, medical providers, veterinarians, insurance companies, and other services.

Make sure family and other contacts know how to send mobile messages

Make sure household members and your out-of-town contacts know how to send text messages if they have a cell phone or mobile device.

Download the FEMA app

Download FEMA app (available in English and Spanish) for disaster resources and to receive weather alerts, safety tips and reminders so you can have peace of mind and be ready for the unexpected. The FEMA app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies and directions for opening shelters. You can also set reminders to take important steps to prepare your home and family for disasters, such as replacing your smoke alarm batteries and practicing fire escape plans. The FEMA app is available for download at Apple App Store and Google Play.

During an emergency

Call 911 only in an emergency

Learn and use the designated number in your state for highway accidents or other non-life threatening incidents.

Limit non-emergency calls

Minimize network congestion and free up “space” for emergency communications. If you need to make a call, try to keep it short and only convey important information to emergency personnel and family. Restricting calls also saves mobile phone battery power.

Try texting in non-emergency situations

For non-emergencies, try texting from your cell phone. Text messages to other wireless devices may go through when your call may not, although there may be a delivery delay during times of network congestion. (You can also text 911 in certain locations, so check further availability.)

Adjust your mobile phone to save battery

Check your wireless device or user manual for ways to save battery, such as dimming your screen and disabling certain programs. If you have difficulty accessing your wireless network, consider connecting to the Wi-Fi service if your phone is Wi-Fi compatible. If the wireless network in your area is down and you don’t see any signal bars on your phone, turning off your phone will help prevent battery drain as your phone searches for a usable wireless signal.

If your power goes out and you don’t need to use your phone right away, you may be able to disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining and plug it back in when you need to receive or make calls. When power is restored, reinsert the battery to recharge it. (Note: Removing the battery from late model cell phones can be a difficult process and can damage the battery or phone if not done correctly.)

Wait 10 seconds before redialing calls that do not connect

Redialing a call multiple times in quick succession can increase network congestion, further limiting the ability of all users to make calls. If you need to make a call, remove your call attempts.

If you are evacuated, forward your home number to your cordless phone

If you have call forwarding on a landline at home, consider forwarding these calls to your wireless number in the event of an evacuation. This can help you continue to receive incoming calls to your home phone number.

Important safety reminder

If you don’t have power in your home and use your car to charge wireless phones or listen to the news on the car radio, be careful. Do not attempt to reach your car if it is not safe to do so, and be aware of carbon monoxide emissions from your car, especially if it is in an enclosed space.