During moments of leisure or work, your smartphone serves as a tool for entertainment and productivity. However, in times of natural disasters, it can become a vital lifeline. It can provide emergency updates, help you navigate to safety, or even enable you to make emergency calls.
While emergency planning typically involves preparing to survive without technology, it is still important to have backup plans that rely on technology. These can include strategies to keep your phone operational long enough to contact your loved ones or methods to receive emergency updates.
To ensure your tech survives during disasters, start by identifying the most likely disasters in your location. This will allow you to tailor your preparations accordingly. You can gather information from your state emergency management site, which often provides recommendations for disaster preparedness specific to your area.
Keeping your smartphone safe from water damage is crucial since flooding is a common natural disaster. Although smartphones might claim to be water-resistant, it is still best to keep them dry. Consider using freezer-sized Ziploc bags to protect your phone, charging cords, batteries, and important documents during floods or wet weather. Additionally, you can invest in a large-capacity bucket dry bag or a waterproof sleeve to safeguard your devices. If you live in a flood-prone area, look for a dry bag that can float.
Extreme temperatures can also impact your smartphone’s functionality. If the temperature is too cold or too hot, your phone may stop working efficiently. To keep your phone warm, place it in a pocket close to your body or wrap it in fabric. Cooling it down requires a bit more effort, but you can use an insulated cooler bag with a cooling agent inside. Remember to apply these temperature rules to backup batteries as well, as they can lose capacity in the cold or malfunction in extreme heat.
Investing in a weather-band radio is a smart choice during emergencies, as it can provide updates even when smartphones are not functional. Look for reputable brands like Midland or Eton, and consider purchasing weather-band radios from big-box retailers or online stores.
Preparing for emergencies means anticipating at least 72 hours without electrical power. Since smartphones typically only last a day on a single charge, it is essential to have backup power options. Every emergency kit should include a backup battery or power bank with a capacity of at least 10,000 mAh. Ensure you choose a reputable brand such as Mophie or Anker. Remember to check and recharge your power bank every three to four months.
Additionally, include a power cord and charging brick in your emergency kit in case you come across a functioning power outlet outside your home. Consider investing in a multi-USB or USB-C charging cable to accommodate various gadgets.
For those with a higher budget, a solar charger can provide a sustainable power source. However, it is important to note that solar chargers depend on factors like location, weather, and time of day, making them less reliable than pre-charged batteries.
If cellular service is available during emergencies, you can receive crucial updates from local and state emergency agencies. Opt-in to FEMA’s basic alerts by texting keywords like “PREPARE” for preparedness tips, “SHELTER” followed by a Zip code to find local shelter options, and “LIST” for additional options. Additionally, sign up for local emergency-alert options to stay informed.
Even if you lose internet access but still have power, your smartphone can be a valuable resource. Pre-download offline maps for your area on Google or Apple Maps. Install the American Red Cross’s first aid app, which works offline. Finally, create a family emergency plan and save it on everyone’s device so that everyone knows where to meet.
In the unfortunate event that your home is affected by a disaster, having key documents is crucial for recovery. Save photos of your home (both inside and out), passports, and insurance documents to the cloud for easy access in case of phone loss.
It is also important to have alternative methods for tasks you commonly rely on technology for. During widespread power outages or cellular network failures, many stores resort to cash-based transactions. Stash emergency cash in your emergency bag according to your needs for at least three days.
For parents, it is essential to have non-technological ways to entertain and engage your children during emergencies. Consider including classic items like paper, drawing supplies, books, puzzle magazines, and a deck of cards in your emergency kit.
By following these tech survival tips, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for emergencies while keeping your devices functional and secure.
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