5.4.9 Phone Service
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“Maintain Reliance on ‘Old Technology,’ such as the ‘Plain Old Telephone System‘ (POTS) and Portable Radios – Low-tech options are sometimes more reliable. Some agencies found that text messaging was particularly effective for maintaining a communications link between the central office and maintenance people in the field. One of the problems with the blackout was that people did not have access to radio and TV. Only people with battery-operated radios in their homes were able to access any information. There are two options being considered in Cleveland as a potential solution to getting information to the public in times of emergencies. Reverse 911®, an automated telephone emergency broadcast system, is the first option. The second is a citywide or countywide highway advisory radio in the Cleveland area.”
Effects of Catastrophic Events on Transportation System Management and Operations: August 2003 Northeast Blackout Great Lakes Region
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Realize Cell Service May Be Spotty – “During a previous disaster, the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in San Francisco, transportation officials found that cell phones proved to be invaluable as radio communications were damaged. As a result, California officials came to rely more on cell phone technology over radio. But because of the location of the Northridge earthquake, cell phone communications in the canyon areas was intermittent due to terrain and limited coverage, and the California Department of Transportation has now also incorporated satellite and radio communications to its system.”
Effects of Catastrophic Events on Transportation System Management and Operations: Cross-Cutting Study
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Realize Phone Service May Be Difficult – “Communications immediately after the Northridge earthquake was difficult for both emergency workers and residents. Power was out for most of the area, which affected the operation of the central phone system.”
Effects of Catastrophic Events on Transportation System Management and Operations: Cross-Cutting Study
February 7, 2006
Publication #FHWA–HOP-08-015
