Verizon response: Western US wildfires

Customers do not have to take any action to take advantage of the offer and can verify eligibility for call/text/data relief by entering their zip code here: https://www.verizon.com/featured/relief/.

Network status

We are closely monitoring dozens of wildfires burning in the western US and our network is currently performing well with no significant impacts.

Verizon Response Team

Our Verizon Response Team (VRT) is available 24/7 to provide on-demand, emergency assistance to first responders. We are mobilizing charging stations, WiFi hotspots, devices, special equipment, emergency vehicles and more to support local, state and federal agencies in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Here are some of the things we’ve done this season:

• The VRT has responded to 180 requests for assistance and more than 1,300 devices have been loaned to first responder agencies across the West this wildfire season. Support for current incidents includes:

• California: 100 deployments / 696 devices
  Oregon: 19 deployments / 182 devices
  Washington: 5 deployments / 81 devices

• 60 portable assets deployed to provide assistance to public safety operations
• Communications support provided to 10 American Red Cross evacuation resource centers

First responder customers with wireless priority service should utilize *272 when placing calls.

Find out how the VRT has been keeping fire crews connected in our August 24 Up To Speed episode.

Related links:

Emergency preparation and safety tips

Network status

We are closely monitoring dozens of wildfires burning in the western US and our network is currently performing well with no significant impacts. In parts of California where commercial power was lost due to the public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) earlier this week, our network performed very well, at normal levels.

We know how important it is to stay connected when the power goes out. As evidenced by our network performance during last year’s PSPS events, we’re committed to making sure Verizon customers can use their mobile devices during commercial power outages.

Verizon has backup batteries at all our macro cell sites (towers) and permanent generators at the majority of our cell sites and all of our switch locations (network nerve center), which we’re able to refuel during extended power outages. These backup energy sources help keep our network running when commercial power is lost.

Verizon Response Team

Our Verizon Response Team (VRT) is available 24/7 to provide on-demand, emergency assistance to first responders. We are mobilizing charging stations, WiFi hotspots, devices, special equipment, emergency vehicles and more to support local, state and federal agencies in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Here are some of the things we’ve done this season:

• 139 VRT deployments and 1,086 devices have been loaned to first responder agencies across the West this wildfire season. Support for current incidents includes:

• California: 84 deployments / 623 devices
  Oregon: 12 deployments / 105 devices
  Washington: 5 deployments / 81 devices

• 60 portable assets deployed to provide assistance to public safety operations
• Communications support provided to 10 American Red Cross evacuation resource centers

First responder customers with wireless priority service should utilize *272 when placing calls.

Find out how the VRT has been keeping fire crews connected in our August 24 Up To Speed episode.

Talk/Text/Data offer for Oregon residents

For our consumer and small business customers in parts of Oregon that have been hardest hit by wildfires, Verizon is offering unlimited calling, texting and data through Wednesday, September 16. For more information, please click here.

Customer assistance

With the ongoing pandemic and wildfires burning throughout the Western U.S., customers can shop and get assistance online at www.verizonwireless.com or by using the MyVerizon app. If you’d rather visit us in person, please note that some Verizon retail stores may be closed or have reduced hours due to the wildfires or power outages. You can find the nearest one that’s open and schedule an appointment by visiting https://www.verizonwireless.com/stores/.

Text-to-give

Verizon customers can help the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen in their disaster relief efforts. Text the word WILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 contribution to the American Red Cross. Text FOOD to 80100 to make a $10 contribution to World Central Kitchen. Your donation will be added to your Verizon Wireless bill upon confirmation of the billing zip code.

Assistance for V Teamers

Across the West, Verizon employees have been impacted by the fires too. The VtoV Employee Relief Fund is our internal public charity funded by donations from Verizon employees. If an employee is unable to gain access to, or live in, their primary residence due to a catastrophic event, VtoV provides approved applicants with grants up to $5,000 for qualified personal expenses (food, shelter, clothing, etc.).

• Donations to the VtoV Fund are tax- deductible and eligible for Verizon Foundation’s Matching Gifts program.
• VtoV is managed by e4e Relief, a non-profit organization that administers charities for several large corporations. When clicking on “Donate” or “Apply for a Grant,” you’ll be directed to the e4e Relief website.
• 100% of every donation goes directly to help a V Teamer in need, because Verizon pays all administrative fees.

Related links:

Emergency preparation and safety tips

Visit Verizon’s Emergency Resource Hub for more info on our response efforts.