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

[Mist]

1. Thanks for the reminder! Just plugged in my cell phone to power it up. Also, I'm glad I have

a land line (I'm old-fashioned that way).

[calimary]

2. Yeah we do too - always good to have more than one option.

SOMETHING's going to go wrong. Count on it. And be ready for it.

My before-bed routine for many years has included charging my cell phone. That way you start fresh every morning with a fully charged phone. I used to be a reporter. I couldn't afford to have my phone die at work. What if I had to run out on assignment all of a sudden? What if I suddenly had to go live in the field? That phone always had to be ready to go.

[pnorman]

3. 3GJUICE's "MAJOR MOJO" SPECIAL EDITION

http://www.amazon.com/3GJUICEs-Nintendo-BONUS-PACK-Blackberry/dp/B001TL5QIA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1314406187&sr=8-4

Should be able to bring an iPod or Droid smartphone from dead to full charge, THREE times. Not cheap at $60, but for life-threatening emergencies TWO units wouldn't be out of line. It comes with a generous assortment of tips, or use your own USB cable.

[jtrockville]

4. "Landline" phone from Verizon's fiber service (FiOS) won't work for long.

It comes with a "BBU" (battery backup unit), but it only lasts for a few hours. It only powers phone service (not internet), and of course you'd need to use a phone that doesn't need a power cord (just the phone cord).

[malaise]

5. Take out your old phone,clean it and plug it in - one one that

didn't need electricity

[jtrockville]

6. Copper carries electricity. Fiber doesn't.

The old phone will work only for a few hours, since the power it's getting through the phone cord isn't coming from the Verizon central office, but from the battery installed in the BBU (which re-charges through my own electrical panel).

[malaise]

7. Ours works the way it did before we had

the hands set.