Don’t be too dramatic, but disaster can strike anytime. Disasters are devastating, overwhelming and traumatic, and no human being can predict when a disaster will occur. Even with all of our modern technology, all we can do is take the necessary precautions to be safe.
Android developers have wisely used their technological know-how to create disaster preparedness apps. While these apps can’t do many things physically, they connect people to the right resources to better make survival decisions at all stages of a disaster: before, during, and after.
Best disaster preparedness apps
Having an evacuation plan, safe shelter, keeping emergency kits on hand, and avoiding unnecessary risks are just some of the traditional methods recommended for disaster preparedness and control. Your smartphone exponentially increases the effectiveness of these tactics. Here are some of the best disaster preparedness apps for Android users.
Before the disaster
Natural disaster monitor
This mobile phone application keeps you informed of the threat levels of possible cyclones, tsunamis and floods. It is color coded according to the dangerousness of the impending disaster, in a list or on a Google map. Once installed, this app provides frequent alerts no matter where you are.
MyRadar weather radar
MyRadar Weather Radar is an affordable, powerful and reliable weather application that displays high resolution animated weather radar around your location. These displays are in real time and warn you of possible hurricanes and temperature advisories. It also includes a current satellite image of the cloud cover in your area to check if there is heavy rain imminent. With push notifications, the app alerts you of impending thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes.
First aid: Red Cross
The app developed by the American Red Cross provides you with invaluable life saving tips and instructions and instruction on how to deal with and survive daily emergencies and natural disasters.
In an emergency, without a first aid expert and manual at hand, relax and open this app. It will show you what to do, what not to do and how to react in such a situation. It’s very organized, with helpful diagrams and content. It also uses plain language, so you don’t have to be a doctor to understand the instructions.
ICE Medical Standard application
Have you ever wondered what could happen if the storm hits and you fall unconscious? As you are more than likely to have your phone with you, this app was designed to help you when you can’t answer. The ICE Medical Standard app creates a visible notification on your lock screen, which contains all of your required health information and emergency medical contacts. Even if you have a password protected phone, first responders will have access to this medical information and can use it to save your life.
During the disaster
Zello walkie-talkie
When Hurricane Irma crossed the Caribbean towards Florida, the Zello Walkie Talkie app was a must have. Volunteers used it to successfully coordinate rescue operations. With the app, you can turn your Android phone or tablet into a walkie talkie. It gives you the freedom to send voice notes and photos for free, even on weak 2G networks. Since disasters usually result in broken internet connections and weak mobile connections, this feature is literally a lifeline.
Nextdoor application
With the floodwaters five feet high, a family in Florida abandoned their belongings and struggled to reach the top of their roofs during Hurricane Irma. Unable to reach first responders via 911, they chose to call for help to use Nextdoor. In less than an hour, a neighbor arrived with a canoe to help them.
The Nextdoor app is a neighborhood hub that supports trusted connections to exchange information about goods and services, among other events in the neighborhood. It allows you to share online the type of information you would share with your neighbor in person. But first, each neighbor must verify their address in the neighborhood and use their real name.
Nextdoor is used in police departments in different parts of the world. This helps them post and disseminate information on mandatory evacuation orders, lists of open shelters, links to flood maps, instructions on how to connect faster with first responders and other useful information.
Facebook security check
When a disaster strikes, even if it’s in the next town, we all have someone who is worried about our well-being. It can be a friend, partner, relative, etc. Communication can be difficult in times of disaster, and answering ten times “you’re okay” isn’t always the first thing you think about. To avoid this, brand yourself “safe” on Facebook. Your friends will receive this notification, soothing their concern.
After the disaster
FEMA
There was a gas explosion in your area, or maybe there was flooding in your area, and you were lucky to survive. And after? You may have suffered significant losses and still be in shock. FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has developed an Android app to help you locate local rescue centers so you can access essential services you need. It also allows members of the public to post photos that might be helpful to first responders. This helps first responders to take the appropriate precautionary measures.
Reunite
Just as the name suggests, ReUnite is an app designed to help you reunite with your loved ones in the event of a separation after a disaster. It is only activated after a disaster. It allows you to report a lost and found person by uploading their photo and a short description of them. But humans aren’t the only thing the app brings together. If you separate from your pet, you can search for them here.
Conclusion
Your smartphone has a bad reputation for being a wasteland of crazy games and Snapchat and TikTok stories, but it can play a vital role in protecting you. If you live in a disaster prone area, you should look into anything that will help you survive and cope with the loss of a disaster. Just put your hand in your pocket and pull out your Android device; help is just one application away.