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ALBANY, NY - No matter where you're headed this summer, be sure to take along your wireless phone. It's the way to get help in an emergency whether you're reeling in a big catch, soaking up the sun at the beach or enjoying a picnic in the park.
Verizon Wireless, formerly Bell Atlantic Mobile, offers the following tips for using your wireless phone to enhance safety for yourself and others wherever you go this summer.
Press SEND Button After Dialing 9-1-1
Most people know to call 9-1-1 for help in an emergency, but you must press SEND for the call to go through. More than 100,000 calls are made everyday from wireless phones to 9-1-1. Be sure to call 9-1-1 only for true emergencies.
Know Your Wireless Phone Number
Emergency personnel may ask how they can reach you, especially if you're traveling in an unfamiliar area and can't give them an exact location. Many people will write their wireless phone number on a sticker and apply it right to the phone.
Check Your Battery
If your wireless phone is reserved for emergency use, be sure to check and charge the battery before taking off. You may even want to bring along a spare battery or keep a lighter adapter in your car. If you're planning an extended motor trip, digital phones offer the longest battery life.
Make Safe Driving Your Top Priority
When behind the wheel, safe driving is always your first responsibility. Use a headset or ear bud while driving and talking on the phone to allow you to keep both hands on the wheel. A variety of "hands-free" accessories are available at Verizon Wireless stores in your area or at the company's online store (www.verizonwireless.com), free of shipping charges. Whenever possible, pull off the road before dialing. Pre-program frequently dialed numbers and never take notes or write down phone numbers while driving.
Stay In Touch
When you're away, the folks at home will want to hear from you. A check-in call when you've arrived at your destination will let loved ones know you're safe.
In turn, help family members stay in touch with you. Activate an old phone with Verizon Wireless' prepaid service and give it to a family member. The service doesn't require a credit check or a contract and there are no monthly fees or bills. Prepaid wireless cards are available at Verizon Wireless Communications stores and select retail locations.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 25 million wireless voice and data customers and nearly 4 million paging customers. The new coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Bell Atlantic Corp. (NYSE:BEL), Vodafone AirTouch Plc (LSE:VOD; NYSE:VOD), and GTE Corp. (NYSE:GTE). The new company includes the assets of Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless, PrimeCo Personal Communications and AirTouch Paging. The new company has a footprint covering nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets.
Verizon Wireless, headquartered in New York City and Bedminster, NJ, is 30,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company in its Media Center on the Web at: http://www.verizonwireless.com/mediacenter.
