Being prepared is key.
The weather this summer was alarming. The heat was severe in many places around the world and the violence of many storms was unsettling. Then there were the wildfires and the resulting smoke.
I am risk averse and like to feel in control which leads me to want to be prepared for anything. That includes unpredictable and hazardous weather events. Here are the recommended steps you can take through technology to be prepared for weather that is coming your way.
Sign up for extreme weather alerts:
Weather experts recommend getting accurate local weather information which allows for preparation in the event of hurricanes, flash floods, tornadoes, or wildfires.
Your phone can receive wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities. Make sure to enable your notification settings.
For Apple Weather and Google Weather apps – set up alerts to be notified for extreme weather and allow access to your location.
Information for Apple weather app
Information for Google Weather app
Both Apple’s Weather app and Google Maps can also display the local air quality index which is important if there are wildfires. Google Maps is available for both iOS and Google Play.
Google’s Crisis Response team works to provide its software current flood forecasting, hurricane warnings and many other alerts.
In addition, you can bookmark these government web pages:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The American Red Cross has a free Emergency app which allows tracking of 40 types of hazards to include earthquakes, tornadoes, extreme heat, hurricanes, and wildfires.
Other preparations to take:
Stock up on important technology emergency supplies. Find alternative ways to charge your phone – options are a solar charger, a power cable for your car’s 12-volt dashboard outlet, or a hand-cranked charger. The Wirecutter has a thorough emergency preparedness article that includes emergency radios and other equipment to include alternative charging options.
Fill up your digital wallet.
Save your debit and credit cards to the digital wallet app on your phone. This will give you a backup for contactless payment terminals. This helps protect sensitive data, such as your credit card number. Digital wallets use encryption technology to help safeguard your personal information from hackers. You will also need digital versions of your health care cards and driver’s license. Check your state to see if it offers digital driver’s licenses.
Install your insurance provider’s app and set up your account before you need to use it.
Find fuel.
Know where your nearest gas station is. An app called Gas Buddy will find your local stations and the lowest price.
Know how to call for help.
iPhones, Google Pixel phones, Samsung’s Galaxy devices and other phones have shortcuts to call emergency services and pinpoint your location. Apple’s iPhone 14 comes with a satellite S.O.S. feature for when you are out of cellular range. Google has a Personal Safety app for Android.
Tip: An article in The New York Times suggested that if you are losing power on your cell phone during a storm, change your voice mail recording to state your location and situation. That way, anyone trying to reach you will get the information.
