With some of the recent news about hurricanes Hanna, Ike and others likely coming, one big question looms about whether we all have appropriate evacuation plans.  Living in the metro Washington DC area, our family has the beginnings of an evacuation plan, although it is admittedly not as well rehearsed as I would like.

As part of any appropriate plan, communication is critical.  Communication between the members of your family and those who want news from and about you as you relocate is paramount.  Unfortunately, too many first consider this issue only when the plan needs to be activated.

Of course, cell phones are important components of the plan, as they allow you to remain in direct contact with friends and family as you travel.  But what about your landline?  If you plan on staying with friends in another area, most providers allow you to forward your home number to another phone.  

This is where having a VoIP provider may be beneficial.  Some providers such as Skype (Etilities Forum) allow you to maintain your phone number directly from your computer, enabling you to remain in contact anywhere you go as long as you have an internet connection.  Others, such as Vonage (Etilities Forum), Lingo (Etilities Forum), or ViaTalk (Etilities Forum), enable you to carry the router with you.  With these providers, you can turn on your own home telecommunication system anywhere you go.  

We wish our best to the evacuees of Hurricane Ike, and those affected by any storms or other disasters.  Should you have any questions about these services or how to set them up as you relocate, feel free to post a comment or contact us directly.

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