Cell Phone Overload During Emergencies

The recent and tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis (MN/USA) reminds us again of the fragility of the cell phone system.

During a calamity, many people turn to their cell phones to contact loved ones. But that overloads the cell phone system, and calls don't get through, often for many hours.

So the alternative to remember is to send text messages. Text messages get sent differently, and don't take up much bandwidth, so they will get through much easier when the cell phone system is overloaded.

The lesson here is to learn how to send text messages on your cell phone. And learn how to receive them from others.

We suggest that your next family meeting around the dinner table be used to learn to text message. Ask your kids to help out, if necessary. Set up your contact list so you can send text messages to your family. Practice until you can easily do it.

It's worth the time to learn how to send text messages.