BUFFALO, N.Y., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon is working diligently on restoration efforts throughout the Buffalo area, following the storm late last week that caused service issues in many neighborhoods.
"These storms damaged telephone poles, fiber-optic and copper cables, and service wires throughout the area," said Joseph DeMauro, regional vice president for Verizon operations. "We've assessed the damage and continue to work on service issues caused by the weather."
All Verizon central offices -- which perform the essential functions of supplying dial tone and routing calls and data transmissions for customers -- are equipped with backup batteries and generators that kick in automatically if the electrical power supply is interrupted. In addition, Verizon uses portable generators in locations where commercial power is unavailable.
To help with restoration efforts, Verizon has brought in technicians from other parts of the state to join local crews in the field. In addition, the company is working cooperatively with the City of Buffalo and other local officials, governmental agencies and utilities.
Verizon reminds customers to contact the company and report any remaining service issues. Residential customers can call 716-890-6611, and small-business customers can call 716-890-7711.
In addition, customers who are still without power should try to use corded phones. Verizon's network is self-powered, so service stays on even during a power failure, provided the phone line itself is not down. Cordless phones won't work when the lights are out and neither will Internet calling services, because the hardware requires power at the customer's premises.
Verizon Communications Inc. , a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 55 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 252,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.
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