Disaster strikes, what happens if your phone stops working?

During a disaster, whether it’s a earthquake, or severe storm, staying in contact can be the difference between life and death.

Key Takeaways
• Service disruptions during disasters can prevent your phone from working as usual. Prepare to adapt by knowing how to manage interruptions and make the most of limited service.
• Wi-Fi calling, social media, and texting through apps are effective ways to stay in touch when your cellphone isn’t functioning as expected.
• Voicemail greetings and social media updates are helpful ways to communicate your safety when calls can’t get through.
• Ensure that your phone settings are set up for Wi-Fi calling in advance, and plan for out-of-state contacts in case of emergency.

During a disaster, whether it’s a earthquake, or severe storm, staying in contact can be the difference between life and death. However, in these situations, the very device you rely on for communication—your cellphone—might not work as expected. Cell towers can go down, power outages can disrupt service, or your phone might not have the necessary signal to send or receive messages. So, what can you do if your phone stops working? 

In many disaster scenarios, cellphone service is compromised. During wildfires, for example, fires can damage power lines or cell towers, leading to complete communication outages. In some cases, even if you do have some service, you may struggle to make calls or send texts due to high demand on cell networks. This creates an additional layer of difficulty, as it becomes harder to stay connected with your family, receive important emergency updates, or inform others of your safety.

To prepare for these disruptions, it’s essential to understand how cellphones work during emergencies and take steps to ensure you can still communicate when needed.

Communication Strategies During Emergencies
The most critical factor when communication fails is to remain adaptable. The way your phone behaves during a disaster may differ from one emergency to the next. In some cases, you may not be able to make calls but can still send texts. In others, you may be able to connect to Wi-Fi and use apps for communication. The key is preparation and knowing your options for staying in touch, even when conventional methods fail.

Barriers to Communication During Disasters
When cellphone service is unavailable, a number of challenges arise that make communication difficult:

1. Service Interruptions
In the midst of disasters, such as wildfires or earthquakes, cell towers may be damaged or overwhelmed, leading to a complete loss of service or reduced coverage. This can prevent you from calling for help, confirming your loved ones’ safety, or receiving emergency alerts.

2. Limited Battery Life
In emergency situations, power outages often accompany service disruptions. You may not have immediate access to power to charge your phone, which makes conserving battery life crucial.

3. Inability to Send Texts or Make Calls
Sometimes, even if you have partial coverage, the network can be overloaded, making it difficult to send texts or make calls. This is especially true in areas with many evacuees, where congestion on cell networks is high.

4. Lack of Access to Wi-Fi
If cell service is down, you might be able to rely on Wi-Fi for communication, but finding a reliable Wi-Fi connection can be challenging during a disaster, particularly if you’re away from established evacuation centres or public spaces offering Wi-Fi.

How to Communicate When Your Phone Stops Working
While your phone might stop working in the way you’re used to, there are still ways to maintain communication and ensure you’re able to keep your key contacts informed.

1. Be Prepared for Service Interruptions
Cellphone coverage can fail in various ways during a disaster. You might be able to make calls but not send texts, or vice versa. When power is shut off for safety reasons, smaller cell towers may lose their backup power, overwhelming the system and preventing texts from going through. In this situation, it’s crucial to remain patient and persistent. Keep trying to connect, especially when you have any form of coverage, even if it seems inconsistent.

2. Know Where to Find Wi-Fi
If cellular service isn’t available, look for Wi-Fi networks that might still be operational. Large public places like shopping centres, coffee shops, and even some grocery stores might offer Wi-Fi. In some areas, local internet providers set up free Wi-Fi hotspots during disasters to help residents stay connected. You may also find Wi-Fi access at temporary evacuation centres, where you can charge your phone and send updates. This can also serve as a place to calm down and take a moment in the midst of chaos.

3. Enable Wi-Fi Calling on Your Phone
Many smartphones have the ability to make voice calls over Wi-Fi, which can be a lifesaver when cellular coverage is unavailable. However, you need to activate this feature in advance.
• iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling to enable the feature.
• Android: Look for the Wi-Fi Calling option in Settings (under Connections on Samsung phones or under Calls on Google phones). If you haven’t set it up yet, contact your provider to activate Wi-Fi calling.
Enabling this feature allows you to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi networks, bypassing the need for a cellular signal.

4. Use Voicemail to Update Contacts
When you’re unable to answer calls, change your voicemail greeting to inform callers of your situation. You can use this method to provide updates on your safety and let your family and friends know when you might be able to contact them again.
• iPhone: Go to Phone > Voicemail > Greeting.
• Android: Find the voicemail settings under Phone Settings.
This way, even if someone can’t get through to you, they can still receive important updates regarding your well-being.

5. Use Social Media and Messaging Apps
If you have Wi-Fi access, apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, and even Twitter can be lifesavers. You can send updates about your safety, check in with friends and family, and even make calls via Wi-Fi.
Be mindful of your connection’s strength, though, as video calls or high-data usage could be difficult if Wi-Fi is spotty.

6. Consider Using an Out-of-State Contact
In case local communication systems fail, having a designated out-of-state contact can help you check in. Text your location and status to this person, as text messages are often more likely to go through than phone calls. This person can then relay your information to others.

7. Keep Your Phone Charged
Power outages are a common problem during disasters, so it’s important to keep your phone charged. Include a portable charger in your emergency “go bag” and conserve your phone’s battery by turning on airplane mode when you’re not actively using it. Additionally, turning off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and lowering your screen brightness can extend battery life.

How Locate Global Can Help?
When disaster strikes, your phone may be your lifeline to safety, but if the usual communication methods fail, it’s essential to know how to adapt. The Locate Global Platform is specifically designed to improve communication and incident identification in emergency situations – and has a wide range of satellite devices designed to work with or without cell service. Speak to one of our team to find out more, at info@locate.global.