Helpful ways staying connected throughout natural disasters

  • COMMUNITY READING - Librarian Abi Swain invited community members to come read to the students at Levelland Academic Beginnings Center. It was a learning experience on both sides as the students like to meet new people and the adults, get to see just how smart the students at LABC are. Pictured is Officer Josh Rincones reading 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak, 1963. (submitted photo by Cristal Isaacks)
    COMMUNITY READING - Librarian Abi Swain invited community members to come read to the students at Levelland Academic Beginnings Center. It was a learning experience on both sides as the students like to meet new people and the adults, get to see just how smart the students at LABC are. Pictured is Officer Josh Rincones reading 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak, 1963. (submitted photo by Cristal Isaacks)
  • SHOP TIL YOU DROP - Mrs. Bednarz's from South Elementary made a trip to United to purchase items to make trail mix. Students learned where to find items in the store and how to shop on a budget. Pictured from left to right, front row: Bristol McQueen, Liliana Ryan Garza, Cooper Powers. Middle row: Austyn Ruiz, Arianna Young, Peyton Eakin, Jaxson Estrada, Jebediah Castaneda, Dylan Oliver Back row (teachers): Christina Washington, Cynthia Victorino, Megan Bednarz. (sumbitted photo by Cristal Isaacks)
    SHOP TIL YOU DROP - Mrs. Bednarz's from South Elementary made a trip to United to purchase items to make trail mix. Students learned where to find items in the store and how to shop on a budget. Pictured from left to right, front row: Bristol McQueen, Liliana Ryan Garza, Cooper Powers. Middle row: Austyn Ruiz, Arianna Young, Peyton Eakin, Jaxson Estrada, Jebediah Castaneda, Dylan Oliver Back row (teachers): Christina Washington, Cynthia Victorino, Megan Bednarz. (sumbitted photo by Cristal Isaacks)

    Natural disasters can occur anywhere, at any time.

    Having a plan to stay connected during emergencies is essential. In the midst of a natural disaster, individuals want to stay informed of local conditions and recommendations, be able to alert loved ones of their safety status and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing anyone has a way to reach emergency personnel.

    To help ensure individuals stay connected during natural disasters, T-Mobile is offering the following tips to follow before and during a disaster: Before a Disaster

    • Check NOAA’s National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center to get tips and track storms.

    • Ensure a disaster kit or go bag includes a list of emergency numbers, chargers and waterproof, resealable bags.

    • Stay abreast of current conditions and forecasts by downloading the Red Cross and FEMA apps and by subscribing to local authorities’ text alerts and social media channels.

    • Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on a phone. WEA is a public safety notification system that enables authorized agencies to send messages to those with capable wireless devices alerting them of emergencies in their area.

    • Check the local news outlets for the latest information.

    During a Disaster

    • Be ready for power outages and other interruptions. Keep mobile devices fully charged and enable the phone’s battery-saving mode and dark mode to conserve charge.

    • Keep calls (and all device usage) to a minimum and make conversations as brief as possible. Consider sending text messages instead. During times of congestion, texts are more likely to go through than calls.

    • Have a charged portable power bank for phones handy as back-up.

    • Ensure having a way to make important calls should regular cellular coverage be limited or unavailable.

    Natural disasters are on the rise in the United States and globally, making it important to be prepared. As part of planning, be proactive about ensuring having a way to stay connected, informed and in touch with those who matter most to someone, come what may.