The Canadian Telecommunications Association (CTA) has launched an awareness campaign to share best practices for preparing for potential power and network outages ahead of storm season, especially as Atlantic Canadians brace for extreme weather conditions this weekend.
“Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, snow and ice storms are becoming increasingly common, putting Canadians at risk and damaging their property,” said ACT President and CEO Robert Ghez. “While telecom service providers continually invest in strengthening their networks to better withstand these types of events, power supplies, poles, cables and other equipment can still be affected, sometimes impacting network performance or even causing temporary service outages. That’s why we recommend people take precautions.” needed to help them stay connected when it matters most.
The campaign includes steps to take before, during and after a storm.
Before a storm, the association recommends that individuals monitor the weather, prepare for emergency alerts, charge their devices, and have backup power to power essential communications equipment such as an Internet modem, Wi-Fi router, and cordless phone.
During and immediately after the storm, users are advised to conserve their device battery by reducing screen brightness and turning off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location services when not needed. Also avoid using portable wireless networks for data-intensive, non-emergency Internet uses, such as video streaming.
In addition, the association recommends that users send text messages or emails to interact with others and avoid making phone calls (unless necessary), to avoid network congestion and to keep phone calls as short as possible.
Also, if the call is not connecting, wait at least 10 seconds before redialing. The same applies to 9-1-1 calls, where the connection may take longer due to increased network congestion after an emergency. If users still cannot make a call to 9-1-1, they can try removing or deactivating the SIM card from their device, because in rare cases the presence of a SIM card may prevent the device from being activated. Provider.
“Mobile service is designed for 9-1-1 calls to virtually any available wireless network, so calling 9-1-1 on your mobile phone may still be possible even if your service provider does not have a working cell,” ACT explained. Or your phone doesn’t have a SIM card. »
Additionally, when calling 9-1-1, ACT recommends that individuals use their own landlines to help reduce traffic on mobile networks.
The awareness campaign will include print and online advertising running across the Atlantic provinces over the next four weeks, as well as the launch of a new website dedicated to sharing best practices.
French adaptation and translation by Renaud Larue-Langlois.
