How to stay connected during Hurricane Irene - from the A.P.

[calimary]

Here's something my friend Karen Sloan posted at the A.P. I just wanted everybody to know in case communication lines are interrupted:

How to stay connected during Hurricane Irene

(snip)

- Even if cellphones work, wireless networks may be overloaded by people calling to check in on each other or surfing the Web. Tuesday's earthquake on the East Coast triggered such an overload, even though there was no physical damage to towers or lines. Cellphone companies recommend text messaging rather than calling in any disaster, because text messages use much less network capacity. They also don't use much battery power. Using Facebook and Twitter can be tempting, but try to keep usage brief and use the apps rather than web browsers if possible, to minimize network use and battery drain.

If you have a battery-powered radio, use it to get your news updates rather than taxing the wireless network and your phone battery.

- Keep your phones plugged in so that they're fully charged if the power goes out. There are various products available that can recharge a cellphone from a larger rechargeable battery, AA batteries, or through a car adapter.

- Corded landline phones may work even if the power goes out, because they're powered from the phone jack, which in turn is powered from the phone company's facilities. These are usually equipped with generators or backup batteries. Cordless phones won't work if your home loses electric power, nor will Internet phone services like Vonage and Ooma.

(snip)

More at -


http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_IRENE_HOW_TO_COMMUNICATE_?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT