Verizon Keeps Western Washington Flood Evacuees Connected With Free Call-Forwarding

EVERETT, Wash. -- Verizon customers displaced by floods in King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties can add call forwarding to their accounts at no charge as part of the company's efforts to help those in need cope with the disaster.

"Staying in touch with family and friends is more important than ever during times of crisis, and free call-forwarding will help our customers remain connected during this evacuation," said Verizon West Region Senior Vice President David S. Valdez.

Verizon customers who have been forced to evacuate can opt -- at no charge -- to have their telephone calls automatically forwarded to a working phone number at another location where they are staying, or to a wireless number.   Customers will not be billed the one-time set- up fees or monthly charges for call forwarding, although customers will be responsible for any toll charges on forwarded calls, including any wireless charges.

Residential customers who have been affected by the floods and want to set up call forwarding should call Verizon at 1-800-483-1000.  Business customers should call 1-800-483-2000.

As of Monday afternoon, Verizon's network in the area was currently unaffected by the flooding.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 57 million customers nationwide.  Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks.  Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers.  Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of approximately 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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