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By Annie Parnell In this day and age, people rely on their cell phones more than ever. They often feel like a lifeline, and with new technology, they literally can be. Technological innovations are making emergency preparedness accessible at the touch of a button. From weather monitoring to first aid instructions, these digital apps and technology tools could save your life in an emergency. FEMA You may recognize FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) from onsite help in the aftermath of a disaster, but their free app is also a valuable resource for preparing for one ahead of time. The FEMA App has resources for how to prepare for several types of emergencies, links to important numbers like 911 and FEMA itself, and even resources to help you apply for flood insurance should your home be damaged by a hurricane or other natural disaster. First Aid: American Red Cross The American Red Cross First Aid app provides reliable tips and instructions for first aid procedures that can be
invaluable in an emergency. It also features quizzes you can access at any time to make sure you’re prepared when an
emergency strikes. The American Red Cross also has an Emergency App that alerts you to severe weather events, like hurricanes,
tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, and wildfires. Pet First Aid Any natural disaster plan should involve your pets, and plans involving technology are no exception. With the Red Cross Pet First Aid app, you can easily access step-by-step instructions about caring for 25 common pet injuries and health concerns. The app also has tools to contact your vet, locate the nearest veterinary hospital, and keep track of early warning signs that might signal a medical issue. My Shake MyShake is a great way to learn more about earthquakes from a scientific perspective – and in an active emergency, it compiles data from users to measure the impact of an earthquake on the ground. As WIRED points out, MyShake’s Safety tab also provides clear instructions and pictures for earthquake safety, providing a lifeline for children and those with limited English skills. Harbor Harbor makes emergency preparedness fun through games and trivia quizzes designed to hone your expertise in safety procedures for common natural disasters. While this app may not be designed for getting urgent information in the midst of an emergency, it’s a great way to be ready for one ahead of time. Weather Underground Weather Underground compiles crowdsourced user information to deliver hyperlocal forecasts and weather information to your phone. It also displays radar data and interactive maps in a user-friendly interface. In a rapidly changing emergency, this can be a useful way to stay up-to-date about conditions in your area. Google Translate Google Translate isn’t just useful for travel. With the Google Translate app, you can overcome language barriers easily and quickly. This is helpful to coordinate relief efforts and communicate with neighbors and community members who may not speak English fluently. Zello According to the Houston Chronicle, the app Zello was instrumental in helping locals coordinate rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Zello turns your phone into a wide-range push-to-talk walkie-talkie, allowing you to send short audio messages in channels. This makes two-way communication easy and allows users to tap into local search-and-rescue and volunteer disaster relief efforts. Technology Tips and Tools You may not always have access to charging stations or a phone signal. From emergencies to fun and relaxing
camping trips, preparation is key. Here are some tech tips and tools for survival to make sure you have a lifeline
no matter where you are.
Preparedness at the Touch of a Button In an emergency, the last thing you want to think about is searching the internet for what to do. Having the
right information at the right time can save your life. With these apps and tools, you’ll have the resources you
need to know how to proceed.
Annie Parnell is a writer, radio host, and audio producer based in Richmond, Virginia. She loves music, pop culture, reading, and all things outdoors.
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