Autauga emergency crews get telephone backup.

Byline: Marty Roney

Jun. 7--PRATTVILLE -- Emergency communications in Autauga County will no longer just rely on land-based systems that can be knocked out by storms. The county Emergency Management Agency is investing in satellite telephones.

The system will offer a "line of last resort" if radios and cellular phones aren't working.

"Communication is key, especially in the early part of an emergency," said Crystal Ousley, interim director of the Autauga County EMA. "I can't recall a time when the radios and cell phones didn't work. But we would rather have the satellite phone and not need it, than need it and not have it."

The phones are …