Severe Weather Preparedness Week: Wireless Devices Help You Weather the Storm

During National Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 3-9, 2013, Verizon Wireless reminds South Carolina residents that wireless technology can be an important element in severe weather preparations with the explosion of useful apps for smartphones and tablets. Verizon Wireless recommends these mobile applications and tips to stay connected to the information you need during and after severe weather:

• Make sure your wireless phone can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) from your local public safety system. Imminent Danger Alerts will be distributed via text message when extreme weather threat levels are high in your area.
• Download mobile apps to help you track storms and access important information from emergency agencies like the American Red Cross and FEMA.
  • Download iMapWeather Radio app
  • Download FEMA app
  • Download Red Cross First Aid app
    
    
• Keep all wireless devices fully charged before the storm, and gather additional charged batteries and car chargers in an accessible location.
• Program a list of emergency phone numbers into your phone for police, fire and rescue agencies; power companies; insurance providers; family, friends and co-workers; etc. 

          Because severe weather knows no boundaries, Verizon has extensive, behind-the-scenes emergency response plans to ensure that customers maintain maximum connectivity during dangerous conditions. The company has invested millions of dollars in South Carolina to ensure there is back up power sources at many of its cell towers so customers and emergency workers do not lose wireless coverage when landlines are down and electricity is out.

          “Crisis events can happen, anywhere, anytime and with little warning,” said Jerry Fountain, president of Verizon’s Carolinas/Tennessee region. “Our investment in a resilient infrastructure—such as geographically diverse locations, around-the-clock monitoring and back up power systems—helps keep our customers communicating and connected.”

          Verizon also maintains a fleet of cells on wheels (COWS), cells on light trucks (COLTS) and generators on trailers (GOaTS) for immediate deployment to provide extra network capacity when disasters strike.

          For the latest news and information about Verizon Wireless’ on-going disaster preparedness, visit the company’s Emergency Information Center.