Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Almost everyone owns a cell phone these days. In fact, it has become a necessity for modern society. We have seen great advances in smartphone technology in recent years. Now, phones don’t just serve as communication devices; we use them for work, leisure, and even for making our daily tasks faster and easier.
During emergency situations, most of us already know that the smartphone apps and mobile data of our phones can help save our lives. However, there’s still a wide array of benefits our smartphones can provide in the event of a true emergency.
We have compiled a list of 5 things our cell phones can do to help us survive a disaster. As developments in technology further unfold, this list will continue to expand.
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1. Serve as an All-Purpose, All-in-One Emergency KitÂ
There are a plethora of prepper apps all specifically designed to help you survive in a disaster. Technology has made it possible for us to put a survival handbook, first aid guide, map, flashlight, HAM radio repeater, and so much more into our pockets.
These apps are readily available in Google Play and the Apple App Store. On top of that, offline versions are available – you wouldn’t need an internet connection or phone signal to use these apps during emergencies.
Aside from having apps to use during actual emergencies, your phone can also be a tool to alert you of upcoming disasters so you are prepared for it. Apps like Disaster Alert and Emergency Alert are just some of the programs that specialize in emergency preparedness.
Some countries and cities also send text blasts whenever there are storm signals, volcano movement, and earthquake advisories. With all of these features readily available in a small device, cell phones are ultimate multi-purpose tools that can help us prepare for or survive emergencies.
2. Provide Medical HelpÂ
While we agree that the best way to assess one’s health is by visiting a doctor, there are mobile apps that will do it in a pinch.Â
These programs provide comprehensive features that can help you assess your symptoms, conduct basic research, read about procedures, conditions, and medications, stay updated with important news in health, locate medical facilities, and conveniently book appointments.
During disasters when someone is injured, you can’t expect help to come quickly. This is why installing apps on your phone that outline basic first aid is important. These apps provide detailed guides and advice and other various features that can help you save your or some else’s life during emergencies.Â
From the smallest to the most serious medical situations, having information and help readily available will make a huge impact.Â
3. Provide Emergency Personnel Your InformationÂ
Carrying a simple photo ID with you at all times is crucial. In the event of an accident or emergency situation, an ID will help emergency personnel identify you and contact your family if you aren’t capable of doing that for yourself.
However, emergency personnel often need more information than what is available on your passport or driver’s license. Apps like ICE Medical Standard do very well in this scenario.
It allows you to input emergency medical contact information and display it on your phone’s lock screen. If you’re ever involved in an accident, emergency responders will find all of this important information when they turn your phone on.
You can store important phone numbers such as the local police, fire department, hospital, utility companies so they’re readily accessible whenever you need them. That way, you can immediately report power or service outages during a disaster.
Aside from that, you can also create a group for your emergency contacts. Doing so will make it easier for you to send a single text message to a group of people so you can update them of your status at any given time.
Lastly, you can also create a list of the medications you are taking, anything you are allergic to, existing health conditions, and other important medical information that can greatly help the emergency team provide you with the proper care.
4. Help you Navigate and Locate Loved Ones
GPS tracking is most commonly used by parents to ensure the safety of their young children and to monitor if their teenagers have been driving recklessly. But aside from that, there are apps that make use of this technology to help users quickly and easily locate their loved ones or to even alert them during an emergency.
Another useful type of app are those designed to help users navigate a car crash. The U.S. records roughly 10 million car crashes in a year – the statistics tell us that we must always be prepared to handle car crash situations.
Motor vehicle crash assistance apps can help you send a report and access emergency resources easily. It also allows you to store information that can help first responders identify you, know who to call, and learn about your medical history and condition.
Lastly, there are apps that help you find shelter. If your area is experiencing a storm or other natural disaster, apps like the American Red Cross: Shelter View and Network of Care Shelter Finder easily find shelters that fit your needs.
Despite the benefits mentioned above, some people – understandably – worry about their privacy. Phones are literally tracking devices we carry in our pockets. If you are one of these people, you might want to read on flip phone trackers to see if it can solve your problem.Â
5. Teach Survival TipsÂ
Whether you are just driving around town, visiting another country, hiking with friends, or just doing your typical daily routine, emergency situations can happen. While the probability of an emergency is usually low, it would be best to prepare yourself to handle such situations.
Fortunately, there’s no need for us to memorize tons of survival tips and techniques because there are already several apps for survival guides and handbooks. These apps provide comprehensive information that will help you survive just about any emergency situation or disaster just by clicking a few buttons.
Separate from these general survival apps, there are also apps specifically designed to teach users how to identify edible and medicinal plants. Now some of you may consider this as an obsolete skill and something that is already useless in the modern day we live in.
However, wild plant information is crucial and still very much useful if you are fond of hiking or trekking. These hobbies are still widely popular. If you find yourself hungry or injured in the wild, you’d definitely wish you knew how to identify which plants can help you survive.
Conclusion
Cell phones were initially made to make communication easier. However, as technology continues to evolve, we are now able to enjoy so many benefits from smartphones.
From connecting with our loved ones, finishing work on the go, shopping for clothes at home to paying bills conveniently, smartphones definitely changed the way we live.
But on top of all those benefits, these pocket-sized devices also come in handy during emergency situations. In the event of disasters, you can use your phones to contact your loved ones, get help, help others, apply first aid, navigate your way towards safety, and more.
Preppers from all over the world have been making use of these apps for a few years now. As technology continues to improve, we can expect cell phones to be more powerful and useful in emergency situations.
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