As most area residents already know, King County government is reporting that there have been telephone and cellular network outages throughout the county due to the recent snow and ice storm and associated power outages.

The county is asking those who need emergency assistance and cannot get through to 9-1-1 on their home phone, to use their cell phone to call 9-1-1 if possible.

If cell phone service is not available in your area, they urge you to call from another area, go to the nearest fire station or use a phone in a public place.

The 9-1-1 centers cannot receive text messages.

CenturyLink crews are working to restore service as quickly as possible to Washington and Oregon customers affected by this week’s winter storm.

Widespread commercial power outages are their biggest challenge.

CenturyLink telephone service will often work during commercial power outages as long as the telephone equipment does not require electric power (i.e., need to be plugged into a power outlet).

CenturyLink internet services are dependent on commercial power because of the electricity required by the customer’s modems and the company’s distribution terminals.

Consequently, CenturyLink expects service to be restored to many of their customers as commercial power is restored.

After commercial power is restored, if customers continue to experience issues with their CenturyLink services they should contact CenturyLink using of the methods: enter a ticket here or call CenturyLink Repair at 1-800-573-1311.