Don’t Tie Up The Phone

A telephone call can save lives in an emergency, summoning an ambulance, fire brigade or police. But tying up the telephone system with non-urgent calls can also slow the work of emergency responders.

It’s a natural reaction to pick up the phone to contact family and friends when a disaster strikes. However, too many calls can overload the telephone system so life-saving calls can’t get through.

Don’t use the phone unless you have to report a life-threatening situation. If you don’t get a dial tone, stay on the line and wait for one instead of hanging up. Don’t click the receiver button. Be aware the 9-1-1 system is designed for individual emergencies and may become swamped by multiple calls after a disaster

Avoid unnecessary calls in the aftermath of a disaster. Use telecommunications equipment to help emergency response efforts, not to hinder them.