Prep your phone for a natural disaster
A smartphone can be a lifeline in a hurricane, but preparation is key. You don’t want to be frantically downloading the Red Cross first aid app with 5% battery and spotty cell connections after the power is out. Here are some tips to get your phone ready for a natural disaster:
Maximize charges: Fully charge your main phone and any extra phones you have lying around in drawers. You could use them to call 911 or swap in your SIM card to do more. For backup power, charge any power packs you have, as well as laptops. In a pinch, you can charge a phone off of a laptop. Make sure you also have your cords ready, including one that can plug into a car—another power source.
Install apps: Consider installing Zello a walkie-talkie app that lets you share audio messages and photos. Meanwhile, FireChat is another messaging app that works without data or a signal, and instead relies on mesh networks. Glympse is a real-time location sharing app that complements Zello and FireChat. After using the apps’ messaging capabilities, Glympse users can share their exact whereabouts with rescue groups. Finally, install a few of the Red Cross apps, which can offer first aid relief to both humans and pets.
Bookmark the basics: Save your local emergency phone numbers to your phone, in case you can make phone calls but not search at a later time. Also bookmark pages for the National Hurricane Center, your local weather source, and FEMA. And, be sure you have signed up to receive UGA alerts through the UGAAlert System (register online).
Get push alerts: Many local and state governments also use opt-in alert systems. Check their websites to be sure you have the best alerts setup. Text your zip code to 888777 to sign up for text message alerts from public safety departments using Everbridge. Another common system is CodeRED. You can sign up online here or download the app.
Download maps: Maps can be a data hog. The Google Maps app lets you download entire maps for your area to your phone. On Android or iOS, search for your city and tap the more option (three dots), then tap “Download offline map.” Install the Waze navigation app if you think you’ll be driving and want to avoid unexpected road closures or accidents.