Preparing for an emergency
Understand how power outages may affect your landline service
Know what type of landline telephone service you have. Is your telephone service provided over broadband connections, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or is it traditional landline telephone service, which is typically powered over copper telephone lines? Ask your service provider if you are unsure.
Broadband-enabled telephone service will not work during electric 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. (Learn more: Tech Transition: Modernizing Communications Networks)
Traditional telephone service may work during electric power outages, though you may need to use a “corded” phone. Many cordless home phones rely on electric power to operate.
Emergency communications tips: Don’t be scared, be prepared.
Charge your cell phone, laptop, or tablet if a storm is coming
Consider keeping 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 it is available nearby. You may also be able to use your charged laptop or tablet to recharge your cell phone by connecting the devices with a USB cable, though doing so 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 needed. You can also purchase a solar-powered or hand-cranked radio, which may also be used to charge cell phones, though you should first check the instruction manual.
Create a family emergency communication plan
Go to Ready.gov and create a 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 alerts can augment the Wireless Emergency Alerts you receive over your mobile phone and the Emergency Alert System alerts you receive over television and radio.
ASL video: How to plan and prepare for emergencies.
Create an “In Case of Emergency” contact on your wireless phone
Store at least one emergency contact under the name “In Case of Emergency” for all mobile phones and devices. This will help someone identify your emergency contact if needed. Enter household and emergency contact information into all household members’ mobile phones or devices.
Inform your emergency contact of medical issues
Inform your emergency contact of any medical issues or other requirements you may have.
Create an emergency contacts list on mobile phones and devices
Create a group list on all mobile phones and devices of the people you would need to communicate with if there is 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 texts
Ensure household members and your out-of-town contacts know how to text if they have a cell phone or mobile device.
Download the FEMA app
Download the 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 to open shelters. You can also set reminders to take important steps to prepare your home and family for disasters, such as changing your smoke detector batteries and practicing fire escape plans. The FEMA App is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
During an emergency
ASL Video: What to do during an outage.
Call 911 only for emergencies
Learn and use the designated number in your state for highway accidents or other non-life-threatening incidents.
Limit non-emergency phone calls
Minimize network congestion and free up “space” for emergency communications. If you do need to make a call, try to keep it brief and only convey vital information to emergency personnel and family. Limiting calls also conserves cell phone battery power.
Try texting in non-emergency situations
For non-emergencies, try text messaging from your cell phone. Text messages to other wireless devices may go through when your call may not, though there may be a delivery delay during times of network congestion. (You can also text to 911 in certain locations, so check ahead on availability.)
Adjust your cell phone to conserve battery power
Check your wireless device or owner’s manual for ways to conserve battery power, such as dimming the brightness of your display screen and disabling certain applications. If you have difficulty accessing your wireless network, consider connecting to Wi-Fi service if your phone is Wi-Fi-capable. If the wireless network in your area is damaged and you do not see any signal bars on your phone, turning your phone off helps prevent the battery from draining as your phone seeks a usable wireless signal.
If your electricity 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. Once power is restored, plug the battery back in so you can recharge it. (Note: Removing the battery from late-model cell phones can be a difficult process and may damage the battery or phone if not done correctly.)
Wait 10 seconds before redialing calls that don’t connect
Redialing a call multiple times in quick succession can increase network congestion, further limiting the ability of all users to place calls. If you must make a call, space out your call attempts.
If evacuated, forward your home number to your wireless phone
If you have call forwarding on a landline phone at home, consider forwarding those calls to your wireless number in the event of an evacuation. This may help you continue to receive incoming calls to your home telephone number.
Important Safety Reminder
If you do not have electric power in your home and are using your car to charge wireless phones or listen to news on the car radio, be careful. Do not try to reach your car if it is not safe to do so, and remain vigilant about carbon monoxide emissions from your car, especially if it is in a closed space.
FCC Consumer Resource Library
The FCC offers free printable tip cards, posters, graphics and other resources on consumer topics that you can share with your community.
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