What should I do if a disaster strikes and the phones dont work?
First of all, when disaster strikes, you should limit your use of the telephone. Only use the telephone to call 9-1-1. This will leave the circuits open for more urgent calls. In a disaster the telephone system may be damaged or it may simply be that circuits are busy because so many people are using the phones. If the circuits are overloaded you may hear a fast busy signal after you dial the number. If this is the case, try calling a friend or family member at a long distance number. Long-distance calls bypass the local phone switch. You may have a better chance getting through to them then if you made a local call. Here again, preparedness is the key. Act now to identify a friend or family member outside of the local calling area (out-of-area contact) and make arrangements for you and your family to contact them to let them know your status. This can provide an enormous reassurance to you and your loved ones in an emergency. Also, in your family emergency plan, figure out what your f
