Verizon Wireless Deploys Crisis Response Team To Memphis Amid Flood Threat

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MEMPHIS, TN — Verizon Wireless recognizes the importance of being prepared for any natural disaster and has recently positioned its Crisis Response Team to Memphis, Tenn., in preparation for the impending floods.

A Disaster Relief RV is now on hand in the parking lot of the Raleigh Springs Mall, located at 3384 Austin Peay Highway, to provide activated phones; Internet access through laptops, tablets and MiFi™ hotspots; and device-charging stations on-site to help Memphis residents in need of communications support.

Additionally, Verizon Wireless has increased coverage capacity in Memphis and surrounding areas for the duration of the rising flood waters to handle anticipated increases in wireless call volumes.

“We understand recent storms left more than 45,000 homes and businesses without power in Memphis,” said Steve Smith, president – South Central Region, Verizon Wireless. “These are times when communication isn’t just convenient, it’s critical. We’re making sure families can stay in touch and first responders can do their jobs.”

Verizon Wireless, which operates the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network, enhanced wireless capacity at key cell sites throughout the Memphis area to manage increased call volume and data usage. A Cell on Light Truck (COLT), able to handle thousands of calls in one hour, has been deployed to Tiptonville, Tenn., to enhance wireless coverage in Tiptonville and surrounding areas damaged by flooding. The Disaster Relief RV will remain in Memphis until further notice and operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Verizon Wireless Encourages Mobile Donations

Wireless phone users may donate $10 to local and national relief organizations that are deploying teams in the Mid-South by texting the following designated words to the numbers below:

  • American Red Cross Relief: Text “REDCROSS” to 90999
  • Convoy of Hope: Text “CONVOY” to 50555
  • Mississippi Disaster Recovery Fund: Text “MS” to 27722
  • Salvation Army: Text “GIVE” to 80888
  • Samaritan’s Feet: Text “SHOES” to 85944
  • Save the Children: Text “4TORNADO” or “TWISTER” to 20222
  • Tushka Disaster Relief Fund: Text “OKGIVE” to 27722
  • United Way of Russell and Washington Counties: Text “SUPPORT” to 27722
  • United Way of Central Alabama: Text “TORNADO” to 50555
  • World Vision: Text “TORNADO” to 20222

One hundred percent of the donation goes to the relief organization. For Verizon Wireless customers who pay monthly bills, the donation will appear on the next regular monthly bill; for customers using prepaid services, the $10 donation will be deducted from the prepaid balance.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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