WASHINGTON — You’ll need your cellphone fully charged this weekend, and during the storm, you may be better off texting than calling.
AT&T says that during an emergency, text messages may go through more quickly than voice calls, because they require fewer network resources.
AT&T warns of the potential for high call volume during any emergency, and says some wireless carriers may suffer outages during this weekend’s storm. That increased volume creates network congestion, leading to that “fast busy” signal on your wireless phone. If it happens, hang up and wait several seconds before trying the call again. That allows your original call data to clear the network.
Wireless carriers are preparing for the storm in the Washington area. AT&T says it has activated its storm preparedness process. That includes topping off fuel at cell tower generators and installing and testing high-capacity backup batteries.
“We’ve been working for the past few days to position equipment and crews to respond to the storm,” said J. Michael Schweder, president of AT&T Mid-Atlantic. “And we’re closely linked with D.C., Maryland and Virginia public officials in their storm response efforts.”
Verizon Wireless says it has already made similar preparations for its towers and networks in the Mid-Atlantic. It has also activated what it calls the Verizon National Emergency Coordinating Center, to monitor for outages, with restoration teams on standby, according to Verizon Wireless spokesperson Lynn Staggs.
Verizon Wireless also offers this tip: Keep your phone dry. A phone tucked into a loose pocket can be ruined if you slip and fall and it tumbles into snow.
Verizon Wireless suggests you tuck your phone into a zip-lock baggie before slipping it into your pocket.
