Power outage? Here’s how to reach ChatGPT during a storm — even without internet

man on landline — (Image credit: Future/AI)

When the lights go out, the Wi-Fi disappears and your phone battery drops into the red, AI is probably the last thing you expect to be available. That was my assumption too — until I learned you can still talk to ChatGPT with nothing more than a basic phone line.

Yes, even a landline. And that's exactly what happened during the latest snow storm that hit the east coast of the United States. I reached for my landline (yes, I still hae one for times like these).

ChatGPT on a landline is not the sophisticated voice mode you get on a smartphone, and it won’t show you images or maps. But when a winter storm knocks out power and connectivity, being able to call an AI assistant for guidance can be surprisingly useful.

Here’s how it works — and when it could actually help.

Why this matters during a power outage

Snow storm — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Severe winter storms bring so much more than snow; they bring uncertainty. With internet access down and local updates hard to find, even simple questions can feel urgent.

Calling ChatGPT can help you:

understand how long refrigerated food stays safe
get safe ways to stay warm without electricity
troubleshoot frozen pipes or heating issues
find ways to keep kids calm and entertained
get step-by-step guidance when you’re stressed

It’s not a replacement for emergency services. But when you need quick, calm information, it can act as an extra layer of support.

How to call ChatGPT

phone with Chatgpt logo

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you’re in the United States, you can reach ChatGPT by dialing:

1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478)

Here’s what happens:

you speak your question aloud
ChatGPT responds with a spoken answer
no internet or smartphone required

The experience is more like calling an automated help line than using a full app — but that simplicity is exactly what makes it useful when connectivity disappears.

What to ask when the power is out

Power outage during snowstorm — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you find yourself without electricity during a storm, here are some helpful questions to try:

Food safety. “How long will food stay safe in my fridge without power?”
Staying warm safely. “What are safe ways to keep warm without electricity?”
Frozen pipes. “What should I do if my pipes freeze?”
Preventing damage. “How can I stop pipes from freezing overnight?”
Keeping kids occupied. “Give me games kids can play during a power outage.”
Staying calm. “Help me stay calm during a winter storm.”

When you’re stressed, having clear step-by-step guidance read aloud can make a real difference.

What this phone service can’t do

Close-up of a phone being used by a man — (Image credit: Getty Images / dikushin)

It’s important to understand the limitations. Calling ChatGPT from a basic phone line won’t connect you to emergency services, it doesn’t know your precise location and it may not have real-time local outage updates.

Call time can be limited depending on the number you’re dialing, and voice quality or response speed may vary. If you are in danger or facing an emergency, always call 911 or your local emergency services first.

Where this option can make sense is in moments when the power and internet are down, your smartphone battery is nearly dead or you need quick, calm, step-by-step guidance. It can also be helpful when reassuring children or elderly family members during a stressful situation. In this context, using a phone line to reach AI is less about convenience and more about resilience.

The bottom line

We tend to think of AI as something that lives inside screens and fast internet connections. But when a snowstorm cuts power and the modern world goes quiet, a simple phone call can still connect you to helpful information and even a bit of reassurance.

I like to think of calling ChatGPT on my landline as a backup plan. And in the middle of a winter storm, that can make all the difference.

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Amanda Caswell is an award-winning journalist, bestselling YA author, and one of today’s leading voices in AI and technology. A celebrated contributor to various news outlets, her sharp insights and relatable storytelling have earned her a loyal readership. Amanda’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including outstanding contribution to media.

Known for her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex topics, Amanda seamlessly blends innovation and creativity, inspiring readers to embrace the power of AI and emerging technologies. As a certified prompt engineer, she continues to push the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together.

Beyond her journalism career, Amanda is a long-distance runner and mom of three. She lives in New Jersey.

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