Tips to get ready for a hurricane with your cell phone

AT&T sent us these tips for preparing for hurricane system.  As you might imagine, a cell phone is a vital part of the plan.  But we almost all have one anyway so I thought I would throw it up just for grins:

Consumer Communications Tips

· Create a family communications plan. Designate someone out of the area as a central contact, and make certain all family members know whom to contact if they become separated.

· Prepare for the worst-case scenario. During natural disasters, such as hurricanes or flooding, wireline services can be interrupted for extended periods of time because of damage caused by high winds or flooding. Wireless phones may serve as alternative means of communication.

· Consider having a "Hurricane Phone.” It’s a good idea to have at least one corded telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case of an electrical power outage. Cordless telephones usually have receivers that are electrically charged and will not work if there is a power outage. Consider keeping a basic hard-wired phone and a wireless phone on hand for emergencies to enable communication with safety officials and loved ones, even when the power is out.

· Be radio-ready. Make sure that you have a working, battery-operated radio. The radio can keep you up to date on the latest weather reports, public safety issues and evacuation notices. Also consider purchasing a weather radio, as some communities do not have an early warning system. · Protect computer hardware and back up your files. Make sure your equipment is secure or move it to a higher location if there is potential for flooding. Routinely back up files onto CDs or store them in an off-site location. Consider taking equipment and files with you if you plan to evacuate.

· Program all of your emergency contact numbers into your cell phone. Numbers should include the police department, fire station and hospital, as well as your family members.

· Keep your wireless phone batteries charged at all times. Have an alternate plan to recharge your battery in case of power outages (e.g., charging via your car charger, extra cell phone batteries, use of a disposable cell phone battery).

· Keep your wireless phone dry. The biggest threat to your device during a hurricane is water, so keep your equipment safe from the elements.

· Forward your home number to your wireless number in the event of an evacuation. Since call forwarding is based out of the telephone central office, subscribers can get incoming calls from a landline phone, even if local telephone service is disrupted at their homes. In the unlikely event that the central office is not operational, services such as voice mail, call forwarding, remote access call forwarding, and call forwarding-busy line/don’t answer may be useful.

· Use your wireless phone to access weather information. Many homes lose power during severe weather. If you have a wireless phone that provides access to the Internet, you can watch The Weather Channel and its new Severe Weather Mode service through AT&T’s MobiTV® service or through My-Cast® Weather, if you subscribe to those services.

· If you have a camera phone, take, store and send photos of damaged property to your insurance company from your device.