Introducing Apple Emergency SOS: The Life-Saving iOS Feature You Need to Know About
In times of natural disasters, losing cellphone and internet service can be a terrifying situation. The inability to contact loved ones or emergency services can greatly increase the danger. However, there’s a little-known feature on the iPhone called Apple Emergency SOS that has the potential to be a literal lifesaver.
Recently, Michael Miraflor shared a powerful story on X (formerly known as Twitter) about the devastating Maui wildfires, showcasing how invaluable the Emergency SOS feature can be. Miraflor’s brother’s girlfriend’s cousin and his family were trapped in their vehicle when the wildfires unexpectedly erupted around them. With no cell service available, Apple Emergency SOS was their only means of reaching out to first responders. Remarkably, this feature saved their lives.
The Emergency SOS feature sends messages to emergency responders using a satellite, even when there is no cellular service. It acts as a 24/7 link to help in life-threatening situations. Miraflor shared screenshots of the emergency texts between the fire department and dispatchers, which not only revealed his family’s location but also provided crucial information to the dispatcher. Thanks to this satellite feature, the endangered residents were safely evacuated within just 30 minutes.
According to the Economic Times, the family was found at the Outlets of Maui, a shopping mall in Lahaina near the fires. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the Apple Emergency SOS in locating individuals in need during emergencies. The feature was initially released in November 2022 and has since been proven to be a reliable tool in crisis situations.
On Apple’s website, it explains the functionality of Emergency SOS further. When activated, the iPhone automatically calls the local emergency number and shares your location with emergency services, ensuring a swift response. Moreover, users can add emergency contacts who will receive an alert via text message after the call ends. This enhances the safety network and ensures that the necessary individuals are informed about the situation.
Additionally, Apple added a new feature to its iPhone 14 that allows for text communication between Emergency SOS and emergency services even when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. This advancement ensures that communication remains possible in even the most challenging circumstances.
The importance of this feature cannot be overstated. In May, AppleInsider reported that Emergency SOS played a vital role in saving 10 hikers who were lost in California’s Santa Paula Canyon without a cellphone signal. They successfully used the feature to contact the Ventura County sheriff’s department, leading to their safe rescue by a dedicated search and rescue team.
Knowing how to use the Emergency SOS feature is crucial. Here are the steps to make an emergency call:
– For iPhone 8 or later: Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Drag the slider to call emergency services. If you continue holding both buttons, a countdown will begin, and an alert sound will be heard. Releasing the buttons after the countdown ends will automatically call emergency services.
– For iPhone 7 or earlier: Rapidly press the side (or top) button five times. The Emergency SOS slider will appear, and you can drag it to call emergency services.
In conclusion, Apple Emergency SOS is a game-changing feature that has the potential to save lives. Its ability to bridge the communication gap during emergencies, even without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, is truly remarkable. Make sure to familiarize yourself with this feature and spread the word about its life-saving capabilities.
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