Prepare Your Phone for Disasters

Hurricane season officially starts June 1 — but it began early this year when tropical storm Anna formed on May 7 off the Southeast Atlantic Coast and made landfall May 10 on the North-South Carolina border. Despite this early start to the hurricane season, forecasters predict that the number of storms this year will again fall below normal. But, it only takes one.

Hurricanes are not the only natural disaster. Weather in the middle part of the country over the last few weeks has highlighted the wide variety of “disaster events” that could affect your clients. Unusually heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes, and loss of power are just a few of the events that have affected a large number of people.

Out West, the continued severe drought increases the risk of wildfires.

One of the ways your agency can provide help to your clients is informing them of the tools available that will assist them in the event of a disaster.

Our cell phones have become an essential and integral part of our daily lives. They are also a key part of how emergency responders and survivors get information during disasters. According to a recent survey by Pew Research, 40% of Americans have used their smartphone to look up government services or information.

This is especially true in a disaster. Cell phones are often the primary means of communication when there is no power. In an emergency, your smartphone is usually your first source of critical information and updates. However, with so many options for information out there, how do you know where to start?

Here are three mobile phone applications that are available to both iPhone and Android users. Download them and check them out.

1. NOAA Now App

This app is a source for the latest information on severe weather in your area including quick status updates about tropical systems or weather watches. From hurricanes to tornadoes, this app covers it all.

2. Red Cross First Aid App

This app provides information on how to handle the most common first aid situations. It includes videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice. It is an excellent resource for how to properly provide first aid help to someone in need.

3. FEMA App

This app provides preparedness information for different types of disasters, an interactive checklist for emergency kits, a section to plan emergency meeting locations, and information on how to stay safe and recover after a disaster. A new feature added this year allows you to receive weather alerts from five locations you select anywhere in the country, even if the phone is not located in the area. This tool makes it easy to follow severe weather that may be threatening your family and friends in other areas.

Each of these apps is available free in the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android devices.

It is important that your agency take proactive steps to make sure you and your staff are prepared to weather a disaster. You should also alert your clients to the need for them to take steps to ensure they’re prepared.

What other emergency preparedness resources do you provide your clients? Let me know.