Wireless Number Portability
Public Preparedness Guide

Introduction
 
On November 24th 2003, Wireless Number Portability (WNP) will be Implemented in Major Metropolitan areas of the United States. Authorities have done everything possible to ensure a smooth transition but there is the potential for chaos. It is important that the public be well prepared for this event and that they know how to protect themselves and their families.

 
Know Your Sector
Your sector is computed by adding the last four digits of your five digit zip code to your three digit telephone area code, i.e. zip code 94303 and area code 650 is sector 4953. Your neighborhood monitor may not allow you on the street if you do not know your sector.

 
Police Command Post
Police command posts will be set up at major wireless carrier’s stores. Do not attempt to contact the command post by telephone. Dialing 911 is not permitted during the first 21 days of WNP.
 

Emergency Siren Codes
All areas that are implementing WNP on 11/24/2004 have interconnected their emergency sirens, which will be under the direct control of Michael Powell. There are different combinations of three siren blasts that will be used to communicate store status to the area.
 
Short-Short-Short       Verizon has achieved 50% market share
Short-Short-Long       AT&T has achieved 43% Subscriber Loss
Short-Long-Short       Sprint has Declared Bankruptcy
Short-Long-Long        Cingular has been Fined $25 Million for something or other
Long-Short-Short       Verizon has introduced a decent CDMA handset
Long-Short-Long        John Navas has switched carriers to Verizon
Long-Long-Short        AT&T will unlock world phones
Long-Long-Long        Radio Shack has answered a question

 
Traffic Information
All radio and television stations in affected areas will be providing round the traffic information every eight minutes. Try to stay away from major malls and shopping areas with multiple wireless stores.

 
Protect Your Property
All animals should be kept indoors during the first 21 days of WNP. Cover all outdoor plants. Wrap exposed water pipes with duct tape.

 
Stockpile
Ensure that you have sufficient food and water to last ten days. Remember food for your pets as well.

 
Eat Properly
Consume plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables during the first 21 days of WNP. Limit your intake of animal products to four ounces per day.

 
Boil Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water during the first 21 days of the WNP. Boil water for three minutes. It is safe to bathe in tap water, but keep your mouth shut.

 
Be Prepared to Evacuate
Keep your gas tank full. Plan your escape routes. Consider alternate transportation out of the area such as train, boat, or bicycle. Carry enough provisions with you. Avoid bridges and tunnels.

 
Limit Your Use of the Wireless and Wired Voice Communication Systems
The communications networks will be strained to capacity. Avoid unnecessary use of your mobile phone and your land line phone. It is okay to use DSL and cable modems.