Verizon Wireless Prepares for Hurricane Isabel, Provides Customers With Emergency Tips

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Verizon Wireless makes year-round preparations for hurricanes, and as Hurricane Isabel tracks closer to land, network engineers are prepared to work around-the-clock to ensure wireless service is available.

IN ADVANCE OF AN EMERGENCY, VERIZON WIRELESS ADVISES CUSTOMERS TO:

• Charge wireless phone batteries well — in case local power is lost — before warnings are issued.
• Have additional fully-charged batteries or cigarette lighter adapters available for back-up power.
• Maintain a list of emergency numbers.
• Distribute wireless phone numbers to family members and friends.
• When dialing 9-1-1, remember to hit the "Send" key and state your location.

KEEPING SERVICE UP AND RUNNING:

• Throughout the year, Verizon Wireless goes through its disaster recovery plan to test emergency generators and back-up batteries, to prevent service disruptions during natural disasters.
• These powerful generators and batteries can keep the company's network running and service online without conventional power for a long period of time during commercial outages. In addition, the company's fleet of portable generators have been fueled and placed on standby in areas most likely to be affected. Fuel companies have been contacted to assist in keeping generators running.
• In the event additional wireless network facilities and capacity are needed, Verizon Wireless owns and maintains a mobile fleet of Cells on Wheels (COWS) that can be rolled into hard hit areas. To view a photo of a COW click here.
• In preparation for Hurricane Isabel, all personnel have been placed on standby; emergency communications have been verified; back-up generators have been prepared; and damage assessment teams have been designated and will be dispatched as soon as the storm has passed. The company has two Network Operations Centers (NOC) monitoring the network 24/7 and coordinating all efforts. To view a photo of the NOC click here.
• Thousands of loaner wireless phones and extra batteries are being charged and readied for use by emergency personnel. Extra phones and batteries have been shipped from the company's warehouses to retail stores along the East Coast.
• If customer care centers are closed due to power failures or road closings, Verizon Wireless is making preparations to have calls re-routed to alternate centers.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 34.6 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.

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