Between NOAA’s Hurricane forecast and this weekend being the start of the summer season, it’s a good time to think about how you will respond to emergencies, including flooding, tornados, storms, accidents or getting lost on a hike.
Smart Phones are an excellent tool, so take the time familiarize yourself with the many features that can make a big difference in an emergency.
Protect your phone and keep it charged. Use a waterproof case and have on hand both a portable and regular charger. If you have to leave home suddenly, have chargers and other items together in one spot so you can grab them as you head out the door.
Sign up for Alerts: Register for Alert Services for your area. Most states have some type of alert system that will text, send an e-mail or even call. Find your state’s notification system by typing your state’s name and “alert system” in your preferred search engine.
Red Cross has an emergency alerts App. It is simple to use and lets you customize 40 different weather alerts with fast notifications. It provides step-by-step guides to help you prepare and explains how climate change has impacted each hazard. You can easily find open Red Cross shelters with an interactive map. Choose to use the app in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language toggle, and full weather alerts in both Spanish and English. The Emergency app is accessible so people with disabilities can use it. Compatible with Apple Watch and Android Wearable devices.
Set up & turn on Emergency SOS: With Emergency SOS, you can quickly and easily call for help and alert your emergency contacts. For iPhones For Androids
Conserve Usage: As soon as you are aware of an approaching storm or other emergent event, charge your phone and all electronic devices you rely on. Try not to let your phone battery dip below half a charge. Remember texts can often get through even when calls can’t and use less battery than a call. Keep phone use to a minimum. You can extend the phones energy by dimming the screen, not using live Wallpapers or Blue tooth. Turning it off and only using when necessary during an emergency can extend its use.
Other things to do:
- ICE (in case of emergency) your phone
- Back up to the Cloud
- Create a private group list of emergency contacts. One text can let them know you are fine or you need help
- Bookmark useful sites and apps such as the NOAA forecast
- Use your health care app (it’s the read heart). Include medications, blood type, allergies, diagnosis, medical providers etc.
- Include images of important documents
- Make screenshots of survival guide, tips and fire aid instructions for access, even if data and Wi-Fi are down
- If you aren’t regularly using them, check out the flashlight, compass (can help to locate people); and radio
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