Arriving at Los Angeles International Airport still feels strange, even a week later, after firestorms destroyed 12,000 homes, businesses, and other structures, claiming at least 24 lives in the area.

A lingering smoky scent hangs in the air, and our eyes sting as we make our way from the airport to our rental vehicle.

The hotel we booked last minute near Universal Studios is packed with evacuees and their pets. The kindness from everyone around us is heartwarming—from the hotel clerk to the security guard at the television studio where I’m about to discuss tech tools for disaster preparedness. Each person takes a moment to check on us silently, exchanging an unspoken, “Are you okay?” We respond with a smile and gratitude, attempting to convey the same sentiment back. The atmosphere feels delicate.

A Community in Crisis

Today, fierce wildfires fueled by severe winds and drought have particularly devastated the western United States. However, tomorrow’s disaster could stem from various other extreme weather events across the country. With climate change leading to more frequent and intense disasters, here are some vital apps and gadgets that can play a significant role during emergencies.

Watch Duty (iOS/Android)

This is undoubtedly the best wildfire alert app to download on your smartphone, especially if you reside in one of the 22 states it currently serves.

It utilizes an automated system to track 911 calls and other emergency communications related to fires. As soon as a call is received, alerts are sent to a team of active and retired firefighters, first responders, and journalists—people around the world who monitor public information, scanners, cameras, satellites, and more—to compile and verify as much information as possible. Everything is cross-referenced, uploaded, and updated in real time as situations evolve.

The app provides notifications about evacuations, shelter locations, wind direction, weather forecasts, and air quality updates. It’s free to use since it’s managed by a nonprofit, but there’s an optional subscription of $25/year that supports its operation.

FEMA (iOS/Android)

The official FEMA app is a useful tool that everyone should have and keep updated, especially for emergency preparedness. It’s never too early to plan, and waiting for disaster to strike to get organized is always too late.

The app offers excellent resources for preparing your emergency go-bag, strategies to minimize damage, understanding the evacuation process, and guidance for creating a pet emergency kit. It’s continually updated with new information for individuals affected by various disasters—from severe storms to earthquakes and beyond.

With timely notifications, the FEMA app alerts you if you are in a watch or warning zone, allowing you to plan accordingly. It also directs users to relief and recovery centers if you’re affected and need to evacuate. As a government initiative, the app is entirely free and should be on everyone’s device, regardless of their current need.

GOES Health (iOS/Android)

Initially created for off-grid travelers, this app has evolved to support those dealing with climate disasters who may need medical information without internet or cellular service. Notably, the company’s tech chief, living close to the Sunset Fire in Los Angeles, found that the air quality data from GOES was more reliable than any other source he could find.

Designed for local conditions, the app provides specific guidance on extreme temperatures, wildlife dangers, poor air quality, and UV exposure. Its offline resource library includes medical information for over 60 topics with hundreds of advice pieces.

You can try it for free, and afterwards, the premium subscription costs $36 annually.

Feeling Great (iOS/Android)

Addressing physical injuries is crucial, but once the chaos subsides, our mental health often suffers. It’s vital to take care of our minds just as much as our bodies. The Feeling Great app features an AI chatbot filled with resources to help users navigate complex and distressing situations.

Based on decades of research by Dr. David Burns, a Stanford professor and bestselling author known for popularizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—a widely recognized mental health treatment—the app uses over 100 techniques to help users challenge negative thoughts and monitor progress.

It’s available for free to try, with an annual subscription of $99.

Beware of Scammers

Numerous donation initiatives are underway to aid victims affected by disasters, with the California wildfires being a recent notable example.

However, these generous efforts may attract individuals with bad intentions. Many scammers are now pretending to collect funds for worthy causes or even impersonating FEMA inspectors. Here are a few quick tips to help you avoid fraudsters:

• Avoid responding to unsolicited emails, texts, or calls, especially if they express urgency and demand immediate action. This sense of urgency is a common tactic to mislead individuals during emotional times.

• GoFundMe has established a centralized hub featuring all verified fundraising pages associated with the wildfires in Los Angeles.

• Ensure the website is secure—look for a gray lock icon to confirm encryption.

• Never provide personal information or respond to requests for gift cards.

• For fire victims: Be cautious of anyone soliciting your aid, promising to expedite your FEMA claim for a fee.

• Real FEMA inspectors will always show an official government badge. Don’t hesitate to ask to see their identification. Remember, FEMA inspectors will never:

• Ask for money or banking information.

• Request your nine-digit registration number—which they already have in their database.

• Charge for their inspection services; that process is entirely free.

Essential Gadgets for Emergencies

Once you start preparing for emergencies, it can be easy to go overboard, but you don’t need to go to extremes to ensure safety for yourself and your family. I keep a few affordable gadgets handy that provide extra peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Portable Backup Battery

Brands like Ecoflow and Jackery have established themselves as leaders in the backup power industry, thanks to their years of experience and numerous product releases. Both brands are great options for keeping your devices charged during emergencies.

When the power goes out, having a reliable backup can keep everything from your refrigerator to your laptops and smartphones functioning.

My favorite option is the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2, which is a revised version of one of the brand’s best-selling power banks.

This compact device packs a punch with a 1500W output and over 1000Wh capacity. It can recharge your devices multiple times, ensuring your phone, tablet, or laptop is always powered up. Designed for emergency situations, it’s extremely durable. It can be charged from completely drained to fully charged in about an hour, making it the perfect support when life gets chaotic.

Priced at $799, it’s a fantastic deal and occupies minimal space. I have also connected solar panels to mine, which are invaluable during power outages when you’re uncertain about when electricity will return.

Portable Device Chargers

I always keep a portable charger with me. It can power two devices at once, like my smartphone and laptop, and has an impressive capacity of 10,000mAh, which allows me to recharge my iPhone or Android multiple times.

Made from 90% recycled plastic and being carbon neutral makes me feel good about my purchase. Plus, it’s TSA-approved, so there are no hassles at security checks. For just $60, it’s a wise investment.

Air Purifiers

I’ve relied on Coway’s Airmega Mighty as my air-purifying ally ever since I explored air-cleaning devices back in 2020. That year, I resided in Oakland, California, one of the places with the worst air quality in the country. Wildfire smoke transformed our skies into a surreal orange and kept us indoors for weeks.

This purifier features a four-stage filtration system and can clean nearly 1,800 square feet of air within an hour. Indoor air pollution is a serious issue, particularly if you’re close to wildfires or other pollutants. A strong air filtration unit can make it much easier for you, your family, and pets to breathe.

Remarkably, the unit is priced at only $163, with filter replacements available for just $60, making it a smart choice for tackling various air quality concerns, from wildfires to allergy season.

When selecting an air purifier, remember to look for HEPA filters for trapping particles and carbon filters for cleaning the air.

Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy Award-winning consumer technology columnist and a regular contributor to “The Today Show.” The opinions expressed in this column are her own and do not necessarily represent those of YSL News. Reach out to her at JJ@Techish.com or on Instagram @JennJolly.