In case of emergencies and disasters, you have to be prepared. Essentials such as drinking water, nonperishable food, battery-powered flashlights, phones, phone chargers, and power banks are must have.
The apps you installed in your phone can be equally valuable in times of emergencies and disasters. Check out these Android and iOS apps that might help you during times of emergencies - be it flood, earthquake, hurricane or even accidents.
1. Emergency by American Red Cross
Emergency is available in both Android and iOS devices. It is an emergency app from the American Red Cross that works in both English and Spanish languages.
The app will alert you when there is basically any disaster situation you can think of such as really bad weather, earthquakes, and flood. It is very useful as it has built-in flashlight, strobe light, audible alarm, and a map of nearby Red Cross shelters.
There are other specific apps by American Red Cross for things such as hurricanes, earthquakes, first aid, pet first aid, and plenty of others, as per Android Authority.
2. MyRadar Weather Radar
My Radar is available in both Android and iOS devices. The app provides you with timely and accurate information on upcoming storms.
The data comes from high-res animated weather radars and 11 different overlay graphics plus a current satellite image of cloud cover, as per CNET.
Use push notification to enable severe weather watches and warnings. This would alert you when there is an impending thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornados.
Read Also: Mobile Apps to Use as Part of Your Emergency Preparedness Plan
3. Offline Survival Manual
The Offline Survival Manual is available in both Android and iOS devices. This app is quite useful when you're in the wild. Offline Survival Manual is basically a field manual with all kinds of information.
The app has information on "how to make a shelter, what kinds of plants to avoid, how to make fire, how to prepare food, and even basic medicine," as per Android Authority.
This could be a very useful app for someone stranded in the wild and can't get cell reception. Another plus for this app is it is entirely free with no in-app purchases or ads.
4. SirenGPS
You can get SirenGPS in both Android and iOS devices. When there is an emergency, probably your immediate response is to dial 911. However, dialing 911 doesn't bring instant aid, because dispatchers still need location information to locate you.
Using SirenGPS, all you have to do is touch that one big red button. Nearby first responders will access your location and profile if your community is subscribed to Siren 911, as per CNET.
Data such as emergency contacts, medical history, allergies and current medications, which you encoded into the app will be accessed immediately. This would improve your chance of being rescued in time.
5. Zello Walkie Talkie
Zello Walkie Talkie is available in both Android and iOS. It is a great communication app during emergencies. The app will allow you to communicate with voice to your friends or family members during an emergency.
A plus for this app is it supports chat rooms with up to 6,000 people simultaneously. Moreover, it works well over 2G, 3G, and 4G. It also supports Bluetooth headsets.
Related Article: 7 Emergency Apps To Keep On Your Phone For Earthquakes, Hurricanes, and Other Disasters
