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National Emergency Number Association Warns That Power Outages May Delay Emergency Response

Posted on: Friday, 4 August 2006, 15:00 CDT

DENVER, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT: Incoming calls to 9-1-1 centers in the western region of the U.S. surged in July with 140,000 more calls than in May. The increase was due in large part to many parts of the country experiencing excessive heat and resulting power outages. The National Emergency Number Association is urging Americans to keep at least one corded phone with traditional landline phone service in their homes in case of an emergency at home, especially during a power outage, when cable, Internet and cordless phones will not work. The Association has partnered with Qwest Communications for the "Connect for Summer Safety" public service campaign to help educate Americans on how to protect their families during an at- home emergency. Calling 9-1-1 from a corded landline phone displays the number and address of the phone being used and does not rely on electricity. Interview Opportunities: Robert Martin, executive director, National Emergency Number Association, can discuss: -- Why it's important to use a corded landline phone when calling 9-1-1 -- At-home emergencies of concern this summer -- Increased calls to 9-1-1 this summer -- What to do when calling 9-1-1 -- How 9-1-1 calls work when placed with a cellular, cable or Internet phone For more information: -- Tips for calling 9-1-1, including how to teach children how and when to call, survey results and other data are available online at http://www.connectforsafety.com/ . Contact: Alyson Howard at 312-297-7430, alyson.howard@edelman.com

National Emergency Number Association; Qwest Communications

CONTACT: Alyson Howard, for National Emergency Number Association, QwestCommunications, +1-312-297-7430, alyson.howard@edelman.com

Web site: http://www.connectforsafety.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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