Communication During Power Outages

December 6, 2024 — Burlingame Neighborhood Network has developed a communication plan using the free Zello app, where your mobile phone can be used as a walkie-talkie. This winter, we encourage you to download the Zello app onto your cell phone so that you can join the BNN Zello Net channel. This channel will be a virtual meeting place during a power outage where you can notify others of your power situation. Reporting your outage to PG&E helps prioritize their response to your neighborhood. Joining the BNN Zello Net conversation will help you know the extent of the power outage and the estimated time for restoration of power in your area.

Zello can also help you keep in touch with your extended family. Zello works anywhere in the world where there are cell towers and/or an Internet connection. BNN is planning on using it as a communication tool between neighborhoods following disasters. To use Zello, your device must have an adequate Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

It’s easy to set up your own channel for your family or group. Just download the free Zello app, create a channel for your group and then invite group members to join your channel. You can create a contact group for your local family as well as out-of-area members you’d like to connect with during an emergency.

We invite you to join the BNN Zello Net which meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. We briefly check in with one another to practice using Zello. When you open the Zello app, click on the BNN Zello Net channel. Make sure you list yourself as “Available” in your profile setting to participate in the Net. Or you can email [email protected] to be invited to these sessions.

How to Get Started

• Visit this BNN page to learn more and get started with the Zello app

Use these links on your mobile phone to download the Zello App:

• Download Zello for iOS
• Download Zello for Android