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In Case of Emergency: Use Your Smartphone as an Emergency Tool

Tips on how to use your mobile device in case of an emergency.

When disaster strikes, your phone may be there to help. Crises can happen in an instant. And when they do, you want to be certain your family is safe. While you may not realize it, your phone can be a critical emergency tool. Take a few minutes to understand how it can help keep you and your family prepared.

 

In an emergency, your phone can help you:Access basic first aid: Know how to deal with heat stroke, stop a bleed or run a practice fire drill with the Red Cross First Aid app that has guides, videos and checklists to help you prepare for all of life’s emergencies—big and small.

 

Get medical help: The smartphone app, iTriage, was created by two ER doctors and helps you answer the most important questions, “What do I have” and “Where can I get help?” and includes wait times for local emergency rooms. You can also store medical information within the app to have it handy when you see a physician.

 

Prepare for severe weather: Download the FEMA app that has interactive checklists for emergency kits and a map of disaster centers and shelters.  In addition, stay updated on the incoming weather with the NOAA Now app that gives you updated information and warnings on major storms.

 

Have personalized 911 Service: Make sure the 9-1-1 dispatcher that takes your call is well informed about your preexisting conditions or allergies by signing up for AT&T’s Smart911 at smart911.com. You can create a SmartSafety profile so that when your number pops up on a dispatcher’s screen they can already have your information on hand instead of burning time collecting background information.

 

Have power in a power outage: Keep your smartphone battery alive when you can’t plug it in by using a hand-cranked charger—you can find models for under $20 that also double as flashlights.

 

Locate family members with AT&T FamilyMap:


With AT&T FamilyMap, if you can get peace of mind by being able to conveniently locate a family member's wireless phone on a map from your mobile phone or computer.

 

 

 

In a disaster, you can register for the Red Cross Safe and Well program, that lets you check in and automatically update your social media status plus search for the status of friends and family.

 

Stay alive in the wild: Don’t get caught off guard in the wilderness, hikers and campers can download the U.S. Army Survival Guide app that covers everything from finding water to selecting a spot to build shelter. 

 

Remember Fido: Watch out for the four-legged members of the family with the Pet First Aid app.It’s full of videos and step-by-step illustrations that guide you through how to handle any pet emergency—including how to give CPR to Kitty.

 

Charges may apply for download of app. Messaging and data rates may apply for app download and usage.

Bill Cool February 7, 2013 at 08:38 pm
I use ICEcare. Excellent solution that works for both: on-line and off-Line conditions (when phone is working or is dead by an impact). For more information, visit: icecare.net.

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Tom B June 18, 2013 at 07:42 pm
Way too much for a college having financial problems.
Daniel Lai (Editor) June 12, 2013 at 03:09 pm
Here is a copy of the terms of service. http://dearborn.patch.com/terms We will not tolerateRead More readers posting with curse words or attacking other readers. Thank you for your comments. Have a nice week. If you require further clarification, you are welcome to email me.
Gary Woronchak June 12, 2013 at 10:32 am
Hasn't even worked one day? Not one day in 15 years? Really? Not even credit for one day? When IRead More worked at the Press & Guide (which eliminated my position in a budget restructuring that has continued under various corporate owners at the P&G for a decade and a half, resulting in them moving their offices to Southgate and more recently just out-and-out eliminating their editor, sports editor and photographer) we had a policy of no anonymous letters to the editor. This was done because, while everyone has the right to express their opinion, putting a real name with an opinion meant people displayed more decorum and, well, less cowardice than is allowed in online comments from the shadows. Joseph, the benefit of post-employment health care after just eight years of service may have, in the early 1990s, been more acceptable in some way I can't figure (retention of key department heads has been cited as a reason, as was that it apparently mirrored a benefit for state officials), but it clearly was part of the excesses of Wayne County that was unjustifiable and unsustainable in the 2000s. This practice was ended two years ago by a resolution I introduced.
Daniel Lai (Editor) June 12, 2013 at 11:22 am
The original comment has been deleted because it violates our terms of service.
Joseph Borrajo June 13, 2013 at 10:08 am
Thank you Gary Woroncahk for the response.
laplateau June 11, 2013 at 11:28 am
Yeah, unless the drinking trough is filled with taxpayer water.