Home voice mail question

[RuralCopper]

If I enable the Verizon home voice mail option on my landline and phone service goes dead (i.e. no dial tone), will callers be directed to the voice mailbox associated with the phone line?  If so, am I able to access my home voice mail from another phone and record a different announcement when necessary?

We often have problems with our phone service so I'm wondering if home voice mail will at least provide a way for me to put an announcement telling people the phone is out of order again.  We've had a few friends drive to our house or call other friends who live nearby and ask to check on us.  They were concerned about our safety as our phone is just ringing and ringing when they try to call us ... our phone service has been out and we had that severe cold spell.

Thanks.

[PJL]

Yes to all your questions.