The Emergency Email Network:
Get Breaking News from Emergency Email for Weather and Homeland Security Information!
To obtain emergency notifications in your area through email, wireless or mobile devices click here: www.emergencyemail.org then click on “VIRGINIA” on the left side of the website; then select the County you live in or need emergency notification from.
For more information how you can be prepared for an emergency or an event of a disaster visit: www.vaemergency.com.
Virginia Relay is committed to keeping Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened and DeafBlind individuals and families informed of an emergency announcement that goes unheard.
IP Relay Fraud: What You Need to Know
Internet Protocol (IP) Relay allows people with hearing or speech loss to make relay calls using their computer, Web phone, PDA or any other Internet-capable device. Unfortunately, international scam artists have discovered a way to use IP Relay to defraud mail-order businesses. Posing as deaf or hard-of-hearing callers, the scam artists contact merchants through IP Relay and use stolen credit cards or forged checks to make large purchases. Once businesses uncover the scam (often after they’ve shipped the merchandise), it’s usually too late. Because IP Relay calls are initiated through an Internet address instead of a phone number, the calls are not traceable. (Traditional relay services have not been targeted by con artists.)
Virginia Relay and the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) have asked the Better Business Bureau to better educate its members on this issue. In the meantime, businesses should be skeptical about large orders placed by IP Relay callers, especially when the caller tries to use multiple credit cards. It’s also a good idea for merchants to request a U.S. telephone number and contact information for all orders.
Visit www.fcc.gov to learn more.
New Information on Numbering Systems
The FCC’s Report and Order on June 11, 2008 adopts a system for assigning traditional ten-digit numbers to internet-based relay users. This means that IP and VRS relay users will be able to reach and be reached by other users by simply dialing a ten-digit number. IP and VRS relay users will also be able to use their assigned ten-digit number over any internet relay or video relay provider.
In addition, the new numbering system will ensure internet-based relay users will have functionally equivalent access to emergency services as the new ten-digit numbers will contain the location of the user for use by emergency service authorities. The new numbering system will be implemented by December 31, 2008.