Snohomish County cell phone users with an AT&T or Verizon provider could notice a slightly lower-than-expected cell phone bill this cycle as both telecommunication companies waive certain usage in response to last month’s devastating bomb cyclone.
For AT&T users who are not currently subscribed to an unlimited plan, all overages on data, whether call or text, are being waived from midnight, November 25, through November 30 at 11:59 p.m. For a list of included zip codes visit the company’s website disaster recovery news site by clicking here.
For Verizon customers living in King, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties, all prepaid and postpaid call, text, and data usage incurred from November 21 through November 27 will also be waived.
Verizon also extended service of its prepaid brands, including Straight Talk, Tracfone, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, Net10, GoSmart, and Page Plus through November 27, and waived domestic call, text, and data usage for Verizon Prepaid users on metered plans during this timeframe.
Update: Seattle area Weather Radio KHB60 (162.550 MHz) is off air until further notice, as is the Puget Sound Marine transmitter WWG24 (162.425 MHz).
Technicians attempted to reach the site this morning but were unable due to trees/lines down. #wawx pic.twitter.com/ARo1YSXQ6O
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) November 20, 2024
The company says the waivers will bring relief to thousands of consumers and small businesses who relied upon their mobile devices during the power outages resulting from the bomb cyclone.
“At Verizon, we understand how critical it is to stay connected, especially during severe weather events like the storm impacting Washington,” said Steven Keller, Pacific Market President at Verizon. “Our teams will continue to work quickly and intentionally to ensure our network remains resilient and to provide support for affected communities. As always, we are committed to doing everything we can to keep our customers connected when it matters most.”
Both carriers’ waivers should be reflected in the next billing cycle which, depending on customers’ agreement, could reflect on phone bills going out within the next couple of weeks.
The companies said that customers do not have to take any action to benefit from the waivers, it will automatically be applied. Any bill cycles that have already closed should have the charges automatically credited back.
The bomb cyclone swept through Washington on Wednesday, November 20, causing widespread power outages, downing trees, and killing at least two people.
One of those who were killed during the storm was a Lynnwood woman, who died when a tree fell on her homeless encampment, South County Fire reported. The other reported death took place in Bellevue.
Power outages fluctuated rapidly during the storm but fell to about 330,000 outages by the next morning according to PowerOutage.us.
Some Snohomish County residents did not report getting power restored until nearly one week later.
A bomb cyclone, also known as a bombogenesis, is a meteorologist term for a rapidly intensifying storm caused by a significant drop in atmospheric pressure within a 24-hour period. The result is often intense winds, rain, and often snow.
Report November Windstorm Damage Now
The Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management has launched an online survey to help residents report damage from the high winds that raced through the community starting Nov. 19, 2024.
The information may help make the case for disaster recovery resources, including potential storm damage assistance. The County is gathering up the data at the request of state emergency management officials, who will assess whether the community qualifies for federal relief funds.
“We want to do everything we can to make sure people who experienced storm damage that may be qualify for federal assistance get the opportunity to report those losses,” said Lucia Schmit, the County’s director of Emergency Management.
The survey can be found at: https://bit.ly/Report_SnoCo_Damage. It will remain open through Dec. 31, 2024.
“We are working to understand the extent of damages from the storm throughout our county,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “Gathering this information from residents and businesses will be crucial as recovery efforts continue.”
The storm, described by meteorologists as a bomb cyclone, caused widespread damage. At its peak, more than 135,000 homes and businesses were reported without electricity. Dozens of roads countywide were blocked by downed trees and power lines. Executive Somers on Nov. 26 issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency.
Work has been underway to capture damage to public infrastructure. The damage survey focuses on impacts to privately owned homes, farms and businesses.
Staff at Emergency Management has been documenting the storm’s impact since its arrival, anticipating the need to make a case for disaster relief. Many County residents already have helped, responding to a social media request for images of damage near their homes. The department compiled those images as an interactive story map that made it easier to see where the problems were reported, and to better document the scope of the recovery challenge.
The online damage survey provides residents a means to share more details about their losses – the first step in potentially qualifying for relief funds. People should be prepared to provide this type of information:
- Address of damaged property (Only primary residences qualify. No outbuildings).
- Primary cause of damage.
- County assessed value of the structure.
- Estimated value of personal property or contents lost.
- Brief description of impacts to structure or land and any unmet needs.
- Whether the property is insured: homeowners, renters or business.
Businesses that sustained losses from the storm are encouraged to participate in the damage survey. They also are urged to complete a worksheet documenting estimated economic injury from the storm. The form is used by the U.S. Small Business Administration in assessing disaster relief options. Completed business forms should be sent to: HSDamage@mil.wa.gov.
Emergency Management staff know that some people may not have reliable internet access or may benefit from assistance in completing the damage survey. The department is teaming up with partners and volunteers to host in-person events in the hardest-hit communities. People can find help with the damage survey at these times and locations:
1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024
Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue, Station 81
12409 21st St. NE, Lake Stevens
1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024
Lake Roesiger Fire Department
1205 S Lake Roesiger Road, Snohomish
1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024
Evergreen State Fair Park, near Park and Ride
17433 U.S. 2, Monroe (Look for Emergency Management vehicles in the parking area on the west side of the fairgrounds, adjacent to the Park and Ride lot.)
Assistance with the survey also can be accessed during business hours by contacting Emergency Management directly at: DEM@snoco.org or 425-388-5060.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
