Andrews – The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service recently shared a Senior Planet lesson on how to utilize technology to prepare for a natural disaster or emergency at the Sunshine Center.
“The most important thing about preparing before an emergency is being intentional. We’re most likely to face natural disasters like wildfires, flooding, tornadoes or rock/landslides. Prepared in ways that will help you in those scenarios,” said Daniel Ferreira, a digital skills agent with the Extension service.
Here are tips to prepare for using technology in case of an emergency.
Apps and social media
Use apps like FEMA or the American Red Cross to sign up for emergency alerts in your area and find local emergency shelters. Having the FEMA app on your phone allows you to learn more about preparing for a natural disaster through their reading material.
In the case of an emergency, you can also use the app to submit applications for FEMA aid. The Red Cross app also offers mini-lessons that can help you prepare for a wide range of natural disasters and hazards.
Locally, you can text YES to 88777 to sign up for Nixle alerts in Cherokee County. This will send you updates from local organizations and emergency services relevant to this area.
Social media can also be a great place to receive real-time information related to extreme weather and natural disasters. Find organizations like FEMA and Red Cross, follow your local emergency management system, local news stations, and official county and state accounts. Social media can also help to notify friends and family in case you only have internet access.
Smartphone tips
If you have an Android phone, set up an emergency contact. iPhone users can take this a step further and set up Medical ID, which ties into the Health app on the phone to give emergency responders important information like health issues, major allergies and contacts without them needing your passcode or being able to access personal information.
“This is something I highly recommend everyone set up before you need it. It’s a good thing to have for everyday emergencies, not just natural disasters,” Ferreira said.
Another option is for citizens to make a wallpaper graphic that they can set during times when a natural disaster is more likely. This way, if you become separated from your phone, anyone can contact the number on the screen to help locate you to ensure you’re safe.
Going digital
Having a copy of your important documents online can be helpful in case of total home loss. Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud and Amazon Drive all offer limited free storage.
Documents can be scanned at home or at the library and uploaded to have a backup copy online. This can be a copy of insurance policies, wills, birth certificates, identification, prescriptions and more.
Having access to digital banking can also be helpful. While many go cash only in major natural disasters, it’s important to keep track of your funds even if you can’t make it physically to a bank. Have copies of your card saved to your Apple or Google Wallet, or utilize P2P apps like Venmo or Cash App.
Downloading your pharmacy app can be helpful to keep your prescriptions on time or to handle any loss of prescriptions. Create an account using their app to set up automatic refills.
If possible, aim to have a three-week supply of important medication at all times. In the case of a natural disaster, you might not be able to get to the pharmacy immediately, or the medication stock might be low.
Emergency energy and supplies
Having options for powering devices and equipment is important, especially if you’re facing a long-term power outage. A portable power bank for your phone or tablet is good if you’re only going to be without power for a couple of days.
Make sure to keep these devices charged. You can also opt for a solar-powered power bank, which can last for much longer for smaller devices since they recharge using solar energy rather than electricity.
Both of these options are relatively affordable.
It’s a good idea to have a charger for your car in case you have no other options to power your device. In the case of a natural disaster, conserve your gas as much as possible.
Finally, for slightly larger devices, you can invest in a solar-powered portable generator. While these aren’t going to power an entire house, they can help keep medical equipment going and are good to go with you if you are displaced.
It can also be smart to have these and other must-have items packed in a go bag. Find examples and item recommendations online, but these typically include copies of important paperwork, clothing, snacks and water, portable chargers, medicine and more.
Details: Call Daniel Ferreira with N.C. Extension at 828-837-2210, Ext. 6.