This article, “New Study Helps Us Understand Cell Use in Emergencies,” contains some interesting data about cell-phone use. Specifically, the article is about ways to communicate with people during critical incidents. How, for example, will emergency management personnel communicate with citizens during a natural extreme weather incident or a hazardous materials calamity?

“A just-released study by Pew Research helps illustrate the challenges and complexity, perhaps even opportunities.  The study shows that 51% of American cell phone owners use their mobile phones to get information they need right away.  And, 34% to 44% say they have been in an emergency situation where having their cell phone ready helped.  The percentage differed depending on age – higher percentages for younger people than older people.  

“There are also significant differences in uses by age groups.  95% of those 18-29 say they use their cell phones for sending or receiving text messages while only 24% of those 65+ say they send or receive texts.  (85% of 30-49 year olds say they use their cell for texting, and 58% of 50-64 year olds say they do.)  Text messaging can be real helpful for alerting the public, but only 24% of 65-plusers would be reached.” (Source: www.emergencymgt.com)

What happens during emergencies?

But what really happens during emergency situations of some consequence. Well cell towers become overloaded; here’s a sentence from an article from Tuesday afternoon’s earthquake north of Richmond, Virginia. “Additionally, we’ve received reports that many cell phone providers are  experiencing outages.”

And here is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) news release:

WASHINGTON-Federal Emergency Management Agency Spokesperson Rachel Racusen issued the following statement on the earthquake that impacted the mid Atlantic Region and other states today: 

“According to United States Geological Survey (USGS), the mid Atlantic Region of the United States experienced a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. FEMA, along with the entire federal family, is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact and coordination with our partners in the National Capital Region and our state partners. Though there are no early reports of major damage or requests for assistance at this time, preliminary damage assessments are currently taking place in all affected states and we will continue to work closely with their emergency management officials.   

“Due to overload of cell phone usage, there are reports of cell phone congestion. [NOTE: Emphasis added by editor.] We request that members of the public use email or text messages if possible to communicate for the next few hours, except in cases of emergency, so that emergency officials can continue to receive and respond to urgent calls. We encourage everyone in the affected areas to listen to the direction of their local officials. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”

So relying only on mobile communication devices may not prove to be the panacea that some think.

yesterday’s