Emergency Communications: What's best?

In an emergency, communications with family, neighbors and informational update are paramount. 

If you need out going communications with a cell phone, the most reliable is your texting service. This might not sound right, but the science behind it is black and white. Cell companies transmit SMS (text) messages on a so-called control channel set aside for network operations rather than on one of the channels designated for voice traffic. The control channel is the wireless channel used to set up and disengage a call, so a text message might make it through even when a network’s voice channels are too overloaded to handle additional calls. It’s a bit like being able to drive on the shoulder when the freeway is jammed with traffic. **iPhone users must ensure that the “Send as SMS” setting on their device has not been disabled.**

Did you know that Larimer county emergency teams can receive and respond to 911 texts? All of LETA’s 911 centers, including Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff’s Department, Loveland Emergency Communications Center, Colorado State University Police Department and the town of Estes Park, can receive 911 texts. All area Tier 1 and Tier 2 wireless carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Cricket, Union, Comcast, and Viaero Wireless, offer 911 texting.

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