AT&T outage just a preview of what can happen when cell service goes out: How to be prepared.
A widespread telecommunication outage that affected tens of thousands of customers in the United States on Thursday raised a question for many – What should I do when I can’t use my cell phone?
While cell service in the U.S. is typically fairly dependable and Thursday’s issues were limited in scope, there’s a long list of potential emergencies when cell phones could become unreliable, according to Alyssa Provencio, professor at the University of Central Oklahoma who oversees the disaster management certificate program.
Communication issues are the norm in a disaster, not an anomaly, Provencio said. Some scenarios like snow storms, strong wind, torrential rain, fire, and tornadoes may affect a small number of people. Others, like major earthquakes, solar flares, or cyberattacks, have the potential to disrupt communications for millions of people for an extended period.
The challenges people faced on Thursday ranged from nuisances to serious communication issues and can be a learning experience for the future in case of a big emergency, Provencio said.
Video Source: FOX 35 Orlando
What does SOS mode on iPhone mean? A symbol appears during the AT&T outage Thursday
“Use this experience to inform future action,” Provencio said. “If you are having difficulty today, then you’re likely going to have it again at some point.”
On Thursday, some local emergency service providers told people if they needed to reach 911, they should try calling from a landline or ask someone else to call for them. They could also try calling 911 using Wi-Fi, the Oklahoma City Fire Department said.
Last summer, devastating wildfires that swept through Maui and killed over 100 people also caused widespread chaos and confusion when cell signal went out and people had a hard time figuring out what to do.
Crisis Preparedness Tips:
• Emergency Communication: Prioritize Wi-Fi calling on Android and iPhone devices for reliable communication during crises.
• Backup Navigation: Familiarize with limited offline functionality of navigation apps like Google Maps. Consider keeping physical maps or a GPS device for essential navigation.
• Payment Apps: Set up and use mobile wallets as a lifeline during outages. Preparedness is key to handling unexpected disruptions effectively.
Here’s what to do if your phone dies in a crisis:
- Landline is your friend: If you have access to a landline, use it to reach emergency services.
- Ask for help: Seek assistance from someone with a working phone to call 911 on your behalf.
- Wi-Fi to the rescue: If available, try calling 911 using Wi-Fi calling (check your phone’s features).
- Landline: If you don’t have a landline, you might still be able to use your cell to send SMS text messages or use Wi-Fi to send messages or make calls.
- A radio: This is always a good thing to have to receive emergency updates, Provencio said, but if you don’t have one in your home, chances are you do have one in your car.
A cell phone outage can be like a power cut to your digital life, disrupting everything from communication to navigation.
thursday’s outage highlighted our alarming reliance on mobile services. Without working phones, even simple tasks became major challenges:
- Two-factor authentication: Many were locked out of email and other accounts due to inactive phones.
- Digital payments: Internet-connected credit card readers went offline, forcing manual processing, and causing inconvenience for both businesses and customers.
Remember, disasters often test our resilience. By being prepared and resourceful, we can overcome challenges and navigate unforeseen situations as a community.
Additional Points:
- You can add specific details about the outage, like the number of affected customers or the duration.
- Consider including tips on alternative communication methods in emergencies.
- Adjust the tone and language to suit your target audience.
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