Video Available of Verizon Wireless Phones Aiding Residents and Firefighters in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Verizon Wireless Sets Up Emergency Communications Center; Delivers Wireless Devices to Support Emergency Crews Near Jesusita Fire
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 9 /PRNewswire/ --
WHO: Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company with the most
reliable voice and data network, including the nation's
largest wireless 3G broadband network.
WHAT: Broadcast-quality B-Roll of:
-- Comments from Region President Kevin Zavaglia on
maintaining reliable wireless service and providing free
calls and wireless Internet access for displaced residents
seeking refuge at local Red Cross shelters.
-- Comments from Red Cross staff on the importance of
maintaining wireless communication services during times
of crisis.
-- Comments from firefighters on the critical role wireless
communications services play for front line troops.
WHERE: The B-Roll can be found at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia
WHEN: Available immediately
BACKGROUND: Firefighters in the field and evacuees at shelters in Santa
Barbara County are relying on the Verizon Wireless network to
stay connected during the Jesusita wildfire.
Verizon Wireless donated wireless modems for Internet access,
and mobile phones with airtime to help firefighters battle
wildfires and evacuees contact loved ones and get updates on
their homes and communities.
Verizon Wireless has established two Wireless Emergency
Communications Centers (WECCs) at Red Cross evacuation
shelters in Santa Barbara County. The centers are open to all
wireless customers who need to charge their phones, access
the Internet or connect with loved ones and employers during
this difficult time.
In addition, Verizon technicians are waiting for permission
from fire officials to enter the burned area and assess any
damage to its networks from the fire, which has been burning
in Santa Barbara County since Tuesday. Verizon Wireless
technicians have added capacity to area cell sites to keep
customers connected as mandatory evacuations of residential
and commercial neighborhoods generate spikes in call volume.
Backup batteries and generators have powered several sites
during intermittent commercial power interruptions caused by
the fire.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 86.6 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 86,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: 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.
