(NC) Being able to communicate with family, friends and first responders during any dangerous event is critical. However, everyday communication devices that we rely on may not work at such a time.

Here are some steps you can take before an emergency strikes, to help you stay in touch:

• If you have a landline, keep at least one corded phone in your home. Cordless phones rely on electricity and will not work during a power outage.

• Keep extra batteries or a charger for your mobile device in your emergency kit.

• Keep your contacts up to date on your mobile devices. A printed copy of your contacts should be part of your emergency plan. Remember to update it regularly.

• Save your safe meeting location(s) on your phone's mapping application. If available, download applications from your provincial or territorial emergency management organization to help you plan. Ensure instructions and a diagram or a clearly marked map of your safe meeting location(s) are included in your emergency plan.

Also recommended are these tips for staying in touch and reducing network congestion:

• If you must use a phone, keep your conversation brief and convey only vital information.

• If possible, use non-voice channels like text messaging, email or social media, as these use less bandwidth than phone calls and may work even when phone service has been disrupted.

• Monitoring social media channels for updates from authorities can be a great way to stay informed. However, these channels are not typically monitored 24/7, so the best way to report an emergency is to call 911.

• If you have been evacuated and have call-forwarding on your home phone, forward calls to your cell phone.

• Conserve battery power by reducing screen brightness, keeping calls short and closing apps not in use.

• To reduce network congestion immediately after an emergency, avoid using your mobile device to stream videos, download entertainment, or play video games.

Find more information at www.getprepared.ca.

www.newscanada.com