Stay Connected in an Emergency

Find out how to stay connected to the telecommuncations network during power outages and service interruptions.

Different phone services—like traditional landlines, cell phones, and internet-based voice services—work differently during emergencies.  Storms can take down power lines and emergencies can overload wireless networks, which is why it's important to think ahead and understand how these situations may impact your phone service.  

General Tips when Preparing for an Emergency

• Keep a printed list of important contacts in case your phone isn’t available.  Remember to add direct numbers to your local fire and police departments and only dial or text 911 during an emergency.
• Enroll in your community’s emergency alert system, if available, and make sure your wireless device is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts.
• Charge your electronic devices (cell phone, laptop or tablet) if a storm is coming.
• Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan.
• If you’re not sure what type of phone service you have, contact your provider. 

Landline Phone Service (Traditional Home Phone)

Traditional landlines that use copper lines may continue working during a power outage.

• Landlines that run over fiber (like Verizon FiOS) will not work without power.
• Keep a corded phone—cordless phones won’t work during outages as they rely on electric power to operate.

Internet-Based Phone Service [Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") or Digital Voice]

Services from cable providers like Comcast or Charter Spectrum, Verizon FiOS Digital Voice, or apps like Vonage.

• These services will not work during power outages without a battery or other backup power source.  Ask your provider where you can purchase a backup battery.  
• If you have a backup battery, test it periodically, understand how long it should last, and consider purchasing an extra for longer outages.
• Internet-based voice service providers such Vonage, Magic Jack, and Skype rely on an internet connection to process calls. You may not be able to make a call using these services during a power outage.
• Contact your provider if you have questions about your VoIP service and 911 access. 

Payphones

• Most payphones connect to the traditional landline network and therefore will operate in the event of a power outage.
• Consider keeping a prepaid phone card available, particularly if you do not own a cell phone.

Cell Phones

• Adjust your cell phone settings to conserve battery power, including turning your phone off to prevent the battery from draining if you cannot access a wireless signal.
• Have an alternative source to recharge your battery, such as using a car charger, solar charger or purchase extra mobile phone batteries.
• During emergencies, use text messaging to communicate instead of voice calls, as data-based services like texts and emails are less likely to experience network congestion. Remember Text-to-911 is available in Massachusetts.
• Keep your cell phone and all equipment dry to prevent damage caused by water.
• In the event of an emergency, you should be able to use any cell phone—even one that is not currently activated—to connect to 911.