Be ready to dial your number when you hear the dial tone. This will eliminate your need to make the call. It may take several days before the increased calling subsides. Following an earthquake, aftershocks will occur. Do not use the phone unless you have an emergency.
Every aftershock creates a resurgence of use on the phone network, causing additional congestion.
The secret to using your phone successfully is knowing what to expect, and making each call count. Be sure to include instructions on how to reunite employees with their families. If a disaster strikes after normal work hours, or if you send employees home initially, then want to let them know later where and when to report for work, many organizations are using the telephone network more effectively by setting up an 800 number with voicemail capability. Employees are given a wallet sized card to carry with them at all times. By having employees call during the night hours when traffic on the network has significantly decreased, they should have no problem getting right through.