Verizon Keeps Southern California Wildfire Evacuees Connected With Free Call-Forwarding

Company Offers Service to Customers Affected by Region’s Brush Fires

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Verizon customers who have evacuated their homes because of the wildfires burning across Southern California can add call forwarding to their account at no charge as part of the company’s efforts to help those in need cope with the disaster.

“Staying in touch with family and friends is more important than ever during times of crisis, and free call-forwarding will help our customers remain connected during this evacuation,” said Margaret Serjak, vice president of operations for Verizon’s West Coast region.

Verizon customers who have been forced to evacuate can opt -- at no charge -- to have their telephone calls automatically forwarded to a working phone number at another location where they are staying, or to a wireless number. Customers will not be billed for the one-time setup fees or monthly charges for call forwarding, although customers will be responsible for any toll charges on forwarded calls and wireless airtime charges.

Verizon has also provided emergency telephone lines to American Red Cross shelters to allow evacuees to keep in touch with friends and family at no charge.

Residential customers who have been affected by the fire and want to set up call forwarding should call Verizon at 1-800-483-1000. Business customers should call 1-800-483-2000.

Verizon is assessing the extent of the damage to its network in the burned areas, and construction crews will replace facilities as needed as soon as the crews are able to enter an area safely.