As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida and is anticipated to become a “deadly and catastrophic” Category 5 storm by tonight, as warned by state officials, it’s important to prepare for potential natural disasters in your area.

In addition to registering for local alerts and having a solid evacuation plan (alongside an in-home shelter), every household should assemble emergency kits including candles or flashlights, water bottles, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, medications, and batteries.

Technology can also play a vital role.

How Can My Smartphone Assist during a Hurricane?

Your smartphone should be a critical part of your emergency strategy if a natural disaster strikes. It can serve as a crucial lifeline in urgent situations.

Many modern smartphones are designed to be waterproof or water-resistant, potentially benefiting individuals during events like Hurricane Milton.

If your smartphone is not waterproof, think about investing in a waterproof case or a resealable pouch, such as the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Case ($39.99) or the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Pouch ($34.99).

If all else fails, include sturdy Ziploc bags in your emergency kit to protect your phone.

If you’re considering upgrading your phone, it might be wise to choose one that has water resistance. The latest models like the Apple iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24, and Google Pixel 9 are all rated IP68, meaning they can withstand being submerged in fresh water up to 5 feet deep for around 30 minutes.

Importance of Backup Power

Having a backup power source is critical during storm emergencies.

Even if your area maintains cell service, you might be without power or access to an electrical outlet. And without power, your smartphone loses its functionality.

For example, Anker’s portable power banks start around $20 and can recharge a smartphone at least once or more. A general rule is: the greater the milliamps (mAh) capacity, the more often it can charge your devices.

Anker’s Solix series includes portable power generators capable of charging or powering nearly any device in emergencies (and suitable for off-grid use like camping). They can operate everything from lights to laptops, as well as small appliances and medical devices, like CPAP machines.

The Anker Solix C800 ($399.99), for instance, allows you to plug in up to 10 devices at once (it also offers USB ports) with no energy limits under 1600 watts. There are solar charging options available for the backup battery if necessary.

Recommended items to have during severe weather conditions include a hand-crank or solar radio and a waterproof flashlight.

For a versatile gadget, consider the American Red Cross Etón FRX3+ Multi-Powered Weather Alert Radio ($59.99), which combines an AM/FM digital radio, all NOAA weather band stations, and an emergency weather alert feature.

This device comes with an internal lithium-ion battery (2600mAh), but can also be charged using a hand crank or small solar panel during emergencies.

The FRX3+ also includes a USB port for phone charging, an auxiliary input, LED flashlight, emergency warning light, alarm clock, headphone jack, and more.

Calling 911 Without a Service Plan

Did you know that you can still dial 911 from your mobile phone even without an active service plan?

You don’t need a paid plan to reach 911, so keeping an old deactivated phone in your emergency kit or in your car’s glove box can be beneficial. Ensure it is charged and stored with the necessary charger.

However, there are some limitations: A deactivated phone cannot transmit your location to 911, so you’ll have to provide that information yourself. Additionally, the operator won’t be able to return your call if you lose the connection.

You can also send a text to 911, particularly if you can’t speak out loud or prefer silence; however, you must register for the service with your wireless provider first.

If there is cell service, it’s advised that individuals send texts, emails, and social media notifications detailing their location and needs, find out where local shelters are, and check on at-risk family and friends.

It’s wise to have a contingency plan discussed with loved ones before a disaster.

Using Wi-Fi for Calls

If you have power and Wi-Fi but no cellular network, there are applications that allow you to make audio and video calls for assistance.

Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Meet, FaceTime, or Viber enable you to make free calls over Wi-Fi, even without cell service. Just remember to set up your account in advance, which can often be done easily via your Gmail account for Google Meet or your Facebook account for Messenger.

Facebook ID. Occasionally, you might need to contact someone who is on the same service, but there are alternatives like TextNow that allow you to call any 10-digit mobile or landline number.

Apps and Maps are Important Too

Several free emergency preparedness applications can be useful during a crisis. Make sure to download these before a severe storm in case you’re without connectivity.

The Red Cross has a variety of apps available, including ones for locating shelters and providing first aid, as well as guidance during hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. Each app offers checklists, emergency advice (from performing first aid and CPR to managing food and water during power outages), quizzes, ways to sign up for emergency alerts, and more.

If you have a smart speaker, you can enable severe weather warnings from the Red Cross, for example by saying, “Alexa, enable Hurricane Alerts by the American Red Cross” on an Amazon Echo. You can also find local blood drives or book an appointment to donate blood by saying, “Hey Google, talk to Red Cross Blood Donation” on Google Nest devices.

The official FEMA app, which is available for both Apple and Android devices, offers details on various disasters, including real-time alerts from the National Weather Service and the locations of shelters in your vicinity. It also contains maps of essential places and advice on how to create an emergency plan for your family, what to include in an emergency kit, and suggestions for meetings places in an emergency.

Another helpful tool is the aptly named Disaster Alert app and website, which provides a real-time map showing current or upcoming incidents that are considered “potentially hazardous to people, property, or assets,” as defined by the PDC DisasterAWARE platform. This includes hurricanes, tropical storms, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and more.

Speaking of applications, it’s wise to take advantage of Google Maps’ offline functionality, which allows you to select a specific area (even an entire city) to download and view on your smartphone in case there is no cellular service or Wi-Fi available.