Whenever a strong electrical or wind storm approaches your area or you are going away for an extended length of time (and you do not have portable or fixed generators) unplug all electrical devices and components from their sources.

If there is a major power outage, you may be able to use a corded phone for calling in and out. Cordless phones will not work.

You can use cellular and wireless services as long as the towers are functional. When power goes out, cable TV and Internet services will also be unavailable.

DSL might work if your phone line is functional. Satellite may be unavailable since it is weather-dependent. VOIP services such as Vonage "should" route your calls to your cell phone.

Now you know-the rest of the story.