The FCC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer the following tips for communicating during an emergency, including how to prepare for a power outage. FCC video and downloadable public service announcements are also available.

Preparing for an emergency

1. Understand How Power Outages May Affect Your Landline Service 
2. Charge Your Wireless Phone, Laptop, or Tablet if a Storm Is Coming, EmComm batteries
3. Be Prepared to Monitor News and Emergency Broadcasts During Power Outages 
4. Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan 
5. Sign Up to Receive Alerts and Warnings
6. Create an “In Case of Emergency” Contact on Your Wireless Phone 
7. Inform Your Emergency Contact of Medical Issues 
8. Create an Emergency Contacts List on Mobile Phones and Devices 
9. Write Down Important Phone Numbers 
10. Make Sure Family and Other Contacts Know How to Send Mobile Texts
11. Download the FEMA App 

During an emergency

1. Limit Non-Emergency Phone Calls 
2. Try Texting in Non-Emergency Situations
3. Adjust Your Wireless Phone to Conserve Battery Power 
4. Call 911 Only for Emergencies
5. Wait 10 Seconds Before Redialing Calls that Don’t Connect 
6. If Evacuated, Forward Your Home Number to Your Wireless Phone 

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 the news on the car radio, be careful. Don’t 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.