Send a TEXT in an Emergency

(Editors Note: Due to emergency situations throughout the State of Oklahoma
this article applies to help all cell phone users in any emergency.)

The recent fires in the Oklahoma Panhandle have caused many of us to sit back and evaluate a “plan-of-action” should we need to evacuate in the future. While we all pray it won’t be necessary again, we need to stop and think about communication in times of emergency.
Many area residents who live in the evacuated areas weren’t able to place or receive cellular phone calls during the emergency situation in Guymon this past April. Evacuees were trying to make calls, as were their friends and families trying to contact them. It’s human nature…we want to know if everyone is okay.
But what happened to communication was unavoidable due to the massive number of calls placed on the network. “Busy Circuits” and “Your Call Can’t Go Through” messages were common, frustrating callers beyond measure. Emergency agencies were utilizing the network as they worked to get control of the situation, while residents were desperately trying to reach loved ones.
Next time an incident like this happens and your cell call won’t go through, try sending a text message. Text messages don’t use the same bandwidth that voice calls do; so many times they’ll go through. There’s no guarantee in an emergency situation that your text message will be delivered, but a text message has a much better shot at making it through than a voice call does.

Capture the Moment!

Calling all photographers – amateurs and pros alike! PTCI wants to put one of your photographs on the cover of the next PTCI Regional Telephone Directory. All you have to do to participate is send us your best photograph, and keep your fingers crossed that we pick your photo as the winner!

Details to enter your photograph:

1) Only digital files are accepted

2) Photos must be a minimum of 300 dpi at 8 ½” x 11” (photos submitted with lower resolution are not judged)
a. Change camera settings to the largest file size for each photo
b. Do not use a cell phone camera as these files are too small for print

3) CD’s and DVD’s are accepted

4) Photos may be e-mailed to connie.hawkins@ptci.net

Entries may be mailed to:
PTCI
ATTN: Directory Contest
PO Box 1188
2222 NW Hwy 64
Guymon, OK 73942

Deadline: June 30, 2011. All images, whether e-mailed or sent by regular mail on CD or DVD, must be in the PTCI offices by 5:00 pm on Thursday, June 30. Please contact Connie Hawkins with your questions.

And the 10 PTCI Scholarships go to.........

PTCI has recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to 10 high school graduates from across the PTCI service area. Now in its 21st year, PTCI's scholarship program has provided worthy students over $160,000.