Device Tips for the Winter Storm

With Winter Storm Juno approaching the Northeast, learn how to keep your devices safe during the frigid temperatures and tips to stay in touch with family.

• Keep your wireless phone’s battery charged at all times. Have an alternative plan to recharge your battery in case of a power outage, such as charging your wireless device by using a car charger or having extra charged mobile phone batteries or disposable mobile phone batteries on hand.
• Keep your wireless phone dry. The biggest threat to your device during a storm is water (or snow), so keep your equipment safe from the elements by storing it in a waterproof bag or some other type of protective covering.
• Make sure you have a “Winter Storm Phone.” It is a good idea to have a wireless phone on hand and at least one corded (landline) telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case of a power outage. Cordless telephones usually have receivers that require electricity, so they won’t work if you lose your power.
• Track the storm and access weather information on your wireless device. Many homes lose power during severe weather. If you have a wireless device that provides access to the Internet, you can watch weather reports and get regular updates on your phone.
• Take extra steps to protect your phone. Cold temperatures can permanently damage your phone by forcing the device to shut off or even causing battery damage. Be sure to limit the use of your device outside in the cold weather. Learn more here.
• Don’t forget to take advantage of weather text alert programs. AT&T participates in a number of text alert school closing notification programs. AT&T’s customers should check their local news websites to see if weather related text alert programs are available in their area.
• Make sure to have a communications plan. If your family is out on the roads, make sure to have plan in place to communicate if someone gets delayed or has an emergency.

Check out some more tech tips for keeping devices safe during severe weather and learn more about AT&T Vital Connections. Stay safe!