WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

With freezing temperatures and an expected forecast of snow across metro Atlanta and Coastal, Middle and Southern Georgia this week, ATT published a list of tips which we added our own suggestions to in Italics.

AT&T said that it is committed to keeping its customers connected, and has taken steps to ensure its wireless networks are ready.

AT&T Winter Storm Tips:

Have a family communications plan in place. Designate someone out of the area as a central contact, and make certain that all family members know whom to contact if they become separated. Most important, practice your emergency plan in advance.

• A car charger, battery booster or other form of charger such as a the fuel cell Medis 24-7Solio also makes a solar phone charger. During a power outage it is important to have another way to charge your cell phone. is good to have 
• Backup your contacts,  in more than one place that you can access when away from you home or office. BlackBerry and  iPhone users can backup contacts online with iDrive Lite. If you put all your data on a portable USB drive, take the drive with you.

Use text messaging. During a peak emergency situation, text messages will often go through quicker than voice calls because they require less network resources. All of AT&T's wireless devices are text messaging capable.

Take advantage of weather text-alert programs. AT&T participates in a number of text alert school closing notification programs. AT&T's customers should check their local news websites to see if weather related text alert programs are available in their area.

Make sure you have a "Winter Storm Phone." It is a good idea to have a wireless phone on hand and at least one corded (landline) telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case of a power outage. Cordless telephones usually have receivers that require electricity, so they won't work if you lose your power.

Keep non-emergency calls to a minimum. If there is severe weather, chances are many people will be attempting to place calls to loved ones, friends and business associates.

Program all of your emergency contact numbers and e-mail addresses into your mobile phone. Numbers should include the police department, fire station and hospital, as well as your family members.

Keep your wireless phone's battery charged at all times. Have an alternative plan to recharge your battery in case of a power outage, such as charging your wireless device by using a car charger or having extra charged mobile phone batteries or disposable mobile phone batteries on hand.

Keep your wireless phone dry. The biggest threat to your device during a storm is water, so keep your equipment safe from the elements by storing it in a baggie or some other type of protective covering.

Don't let your phone freeze - damage can occur to cell phones and smartphones if they get too cold. 

Track the storm and access weather information on your wireless device. Many homes lose power during severe weather. If you have a wireless device that provides access to the Internet, you can watch weather reports and get regular updates on your phone.

Take advantage of location-based mapping technology. Services such as AT&T Navigator and AT&T FamilyMap can help you avoid traffic congestion from downed trees or power lines, as well as track a family member's wireless device in case you get separated.

Use your camera phone, take photos -- even video clips -- of damaged property for your insurance company from your device.

AT&T monitors and maintains its networks 24/7 and conducts readiness drills throughout the year to ensure that the networks and personnel are ready to respond in a moment's notice.

If you are evacuated or can not get home to your phone for any reason, contact your phone company to see what kind of services they can offer you. Usually during disasters, they have a special program.