Telephone Use in Emergencies

Your telephone can be a life-saving tool in emergencies.  You can call 911 and other emergency services and receive calls and text messages alerting you of emergencies or child abductions.  But when there is an emergency, we all need to remember to avoid using our phones for non-emergencies so that the systems will remain open to handle the emergency calls, including the ones the fire department, police, and other emergency services must make to respond to the emergency.

Regardless of which phone company you subscribe to or if you use a wireless or wired phone, no system is designed to handle everyone’s call if we all try to use our phones at the same time. Also, emergencies like earthquakes, storms and fires can disable telephone towers and lines.

Do not call 9-1-1 to repeat or verify emergency announcements and avoid all but the shortest calls or text messages to check in with your loved ones. Instead, turn on your television or radio or talk to your neighbors for news on the emergency or to verify whether your area should be evacuated. Portable radios, TVs, and batteries for them, can be purchased for very little money and should be a part of your emergency kit.

Some cities and counties in California have emergency systems which will contact residents to alert them about an emergency. Click here for a partial list of cities and counties in California whose emergency notification systems are capable of sending text-based messages to alternative communication devices.  This list is merely a guide and is not intended to provide information about the way in which these systems are actually being utilized. Also since cities and counties may change their systems or procedures, you should contact yours directly to find out more information on what yours offers.

Upon request, you can receive California Highway Patrol alerts of child abductions.  If you would like more information about this free service or want to subscribe, click on this link: child abductions.

Disabled Consumers
If you are a person with a disability who cannot access television or radio announcements, you should continue to use your phone or computer to get more information, but try to limit your calls or the length of the conversation or text message to help keep the phone lines open.  Remember that the phone lines may be out of order and plan ahead. We suggest you contact a friend or relative who lives near you who will keep you informed about the emergency and come to your aid, if necessary. 
 
People with disabilities should also know that many telephone emergency notification systems are capable of sending text-based messages to communication devices, such as TTYs, pagers, cell phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs).  You should check whether your city uses such a system.  If so, you must register with the city so that it has the contact information for your communication device.  Unless you register, it is unlikely you will receive an emergency notification.

Limited English speaker
Of course, if you are a person who does not understand English, and do not have access to a radio or TV station which speaks your language, you should continue to use your phone or computer to get more information.  But remember that the phone lines may be out of order and plan ahead. We suggest you contact a friend or relative who can translate information from television or radio. Establishing a pre-arranged "buddy list" of people in your neighborhood that would be willing to come to your aid and provide you with up to date media reports will be helpful and reduce your dependency on completing network phone calls. 
 
Limited English speakers with Internet access can use free text translation websites such as Google.