MONROE, La., June 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Spring and summer are the
times of year when conditions in many areas can bring lightning, hail,
flooding rains, high winds and of course, hurricanes and tornadoes.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060628/DAW039LOGO )
CenturyTel (NYSE: CTL) reminds consumers that along with the outdoor fun
spring and summer weather brings, it can also bring storms that cause trees to
fall and damage power lines. The good news is -- a power outage doesn't
always affect your phone service.
Wireline phones have an advantage over computers and wireless phones
during power outages. Computers need electricity to work for more than a few
hours, and wireless networks need power at each cell site to operate.
CenturyTel's wireline facilities carry their own power, so a phone is not
dependent on the electricity running through your home. Emergency generators
housed in CenturyTel's facilities kick in when the power goes off. These
facilities are equipped with emergency generators and batteries to not only
provide a power source, but also to act as surge protectors. While these
back-up systems are not an absolute guarantee, your CenturyTel wireline phone
service is well protected in the event of a power outage.
CenturyTel also prepares for storms by bringing in additional manpower,
supplies, generators and other equipment to get service back up and running as
quickly as possible should a storm interrupt service.
CenturyTel's Network Support Centers (NSCs) monitor and support more than
222,000 network route miles used to carry voice and data services to customers
24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nearly two million customers take
advantage of CenturyTel's advanced IP-based digital network that delivers
unparalleled reliability in service and quality.
"Lightning, wind and fallen trees can cause a lot of damage, but we can
track most storms and be prepared before they hit," Mike Elford, director of
CenturyTel's NSCs, said.
CenturyTel urges customers to be prepared for the coming storm season.
Keep at least one corded phone in your home. When weather keeps you from
getting to the office or your child's school, you'll want to stay connected.
Remember, cordless phones won't work during a power outage.
Emergencies and disasters can occur any time, anywhere. Some are seasonal
and allow for certain preparations, while others occur without warning.
Planning ahead and making provisions for your family's needs can make a
difference in your ability to cope with emergencies.
If you live in an area subject to flash floods, hurricanes, tornadoes or
other natural disasters, please remember the following:
* Find out the location of the nearest public emergency shelter.
* Keep an emergency kit where you can find it. Items to include are:
clothing and shoes for each member of the family, personal toiletry
items, flashlight and batteries, battery-operated radio and first aid
supplies.
* Gather enough non-perishable food and clean water for 72 hours if you
have to leave your home.
* Take any prescription drugs and eyeglasses or contact lenses and
supplies if you have to leave.
* Make sure you and all family members, especially children, have proper
identification.
* Take money, credit cards and/or checks with you.
* Pack baby supplies if needed.
* Don't forget to plan for food, water and shelter for your pets.
* Designate a family member or friend in another area as the central
point of communication for friends and family members who may have to
relocate or evacuate.
CenturyTel is a leading provider of communications, high-speed Internet
and entertainment services in small-to-mid-size cities through our broadband
and fiber transport networks. Included in the S&P 500 Index, CenturyTel
delivers advanced communications with a personal touch to customers in 25
states. Visit us at http://www.centurytel.com .
SOURCE CenturyTel