During a storm, more people are trying to use their phones at the same time. The increased calling volume may create network congestion, leading to “fast busy” signals on your wireless phone or a slow dial tone on your landline phone. If this happens, hang up, wait several seconds and then try the call again. This allows your original call data to clear the network before you try again.

Consider wireless text/short messaging services. During a storm, text messages will often go through quicker than voice calls because they require less network resources.

You can also use certain high-end wireless data devices’ messaging capabilities to communicate with employees during a storm.

Keep non-emergency calls to personnel to a minimum, and limit your calls to the most important ones. During severe weather, chances are many people will be attempting to place calls to loved ones, friends and business associates.