During an emergency, network damage or a jammed system may make it difficult to call someone locally. It may be easier to reach someone using either:
Discuss with your household which way(s) you will try to get in touch with each other. Identify one or two out-of-town contacts you and your household members can call or text message to connect through and share information. Be sure they live far enough away so they will likely not be affected by the same emergency.
Record your main emergency contacts in your mobile device, post the information somewhere that is easily accessible and visible for your household members to get to and ensure a copy is kept in your emergency preparedness kit.
Make sure everyone in your household, as well as your 2 key contacts, knows how to use text messaging. During emergencies, these messages may often get through even when phone calls may not. Always keep your communication devices fully charged.