UScellular Helps Northwest Residents Prepare for Wildfire Season

Wildfire season has begun, and along with record breaking heat on the West Coast, it is essential for residents to be prepared for any impacts in their communities. Wildfires can be unpredictable, quickly changing in size and direction, so it’s important to be safe, connected and stay ahead of a crisis. Wireless devices are one of the most important tools that residents have in a wildfire emergency to help them stay connected to the people and information they need to stay safe.

To help ensure connectivity for first responders, public safety officials, local businesses and residents, UScellular’s network team works year-round to prepare its network for natural disasters, severe weather and other emergency situations. Additionally, once a disaster occurs, a team of associates – both local and from around the country – are ready to jump into action to assist in recovery.

UScellular has taken several steps to prepare its network for wildfire season:

• Data Priority for Public Safety: UScellular offers emergency responder customers a Data Priority solution that separates mission-critical data from commercial and consumer traffic. This service provides first responders and critical support teams with consistent high-quality service, priority on the network and preemption over non-essential data, helping to ensure that they have access to vital services no matter the situation.
• A Hardened Network with Artificial Intelligence: UScellular’s network was designed to withstand shifts in bandwidth needs and has built-in capacity to handle increases in voice, text and data traffic. Using AI systems, UScellular’s network automatically optimizes and self-heals as external conditions change.
• Local Expertise: The company’s local network teams regularly monitor the network, track usage patterns and make modifications as needed to ensure connectivity. They also remain in contact with first responders to assist in recovery efforts, and local stores can offer support for the community by providing free wireless chargers during emergencies.
• Coordinated Efforts: UScellular has a robust Emergency Operations Playbook that details how local operations teams work in conjunction with the company’s National Network Operations Center on preparedness, on-the-ground actions and communications prior to and during a wildfire.
• Network Backup: UScellular has permanent generators at many of its cell sites in the Northwest Region and has portable generators that can be deployed as needed. These generators undergo annual preventative maintenance and are fueled in advance of emergencies.

UScellular also recommends tips to help residents be prepared:

• Emergency Contact List: Create a physical and digital list that has phone numbers and email addresses of police, fire, hospital, schools and other essential contacts. Also have an “In Case of Emergency” contact in your phone so first responders know who to contact.
• Charge Devices: If you have advance notice of a wildfire in the area, ensure your devices are fully charged. This should include phones, laptops, tablets, flashlights and other electronic devices.
• Make a “Go Bag”: Have a bag packed with a car charger and additional portable chargers ready to go.
• Emergency Alerts: Be aware of wildfires and evacuation orders in your area. Most counties in the area have emergency alerts that you can sign up for, and UScellular provides Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) at no additional charge to its customers.
• Have "Before" Photos: Use your phone to keep up to date photos or videos of the interior and exterior of your property for insurance purposes.
• Download Apps: Free apps from FEMA, AccuWeather and local news stations are available on Google Play or the Apple App Store.

About UScellular

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier is building a stronger network with the latest 5G technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with UScellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

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For more information, contact:

uscdlmediarelations@uscellular.com