When hurricane season approaches, having the right apps on your phone can help you stay informed, connected and prepared. From emergency alerts and offline maps to weather tracking and communication tools, these apps can provide valuable resources before, during and after a storm — especially when power, internet or cell service are disrupted.
First Aid: American Red Cross
The American Red Cross First Aid App is especially useful during hurricanes because it provides instant access to trusted first aid and emergency preparedness information. Its preloaded content allows users to access critical safety guidance even when internet or cell service is unavailable, which can be common during severe weather events, according to the American Red Cross.
Key features include step-by-step first aid instructions, emergency action guidance with a 9-1-1 call button, and safety tips for severe weather. These tools help individuals and families stay prepared and respond effectively during hurricane-related emergencies.
Google Maps
One of the most useful hurricane preparedness features in Google Maps is the ability to download offline maps before a storm. If cell towers are damaged or service is disrupted, downloaded maps still allow users to view roads, track their location with GPS and navigate within the saved area without an internet or cellular connection.
This can help families more reliably find evacuation routes, shelters, fuel stations and essential services during power outages and emergencies.
Check out this Facebook tutorial on how to download offline maps.
FEMA App
The FEMA app is a valuable hurricane preparedness tool that helps families stay informed before, during and after a storm. According to FEMA, the free app provides real-time weather and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations, helping users monitor conditions whether they are at home or tracking loved ones elsewhere. The app also includes preparedness resources such as emergency planning guides, evacuation information and checklists for building an emergency kit.
During and after a hurricane, the FEMA app can help users locate nearby emergency shelters, find Disaster Recovery Centers and determine whether they may be eligible for disaster assistance. FEMA says the app is designed to give people quick access to trusted information and recovery resources, making it a helpful tool for families navigating severe weather and hurricane season.
More Features:
- Family Emergency Plans: Create and review a household communication and emergency plan before a storm.
- Emergency Kit Checklists: Access FEMA’s recommended supply lists to help your family prepare.
- Hurricane Safety Tips: Find disaster-specific guidance for hurricanes and other severe weather events.
- Disaster Recovery Centers: Locate in-person recovery assistance after a storm when services become available.
- FEMA Assistance Resources: Check information about disaster aid and recovery programs.
- Accessible Design: Includes screen reader compatibility and plain-language features for easier use.
- Text Message Services: Sign up for hurricane preparedness and safety tips by texting HURRICANE to 43362.
- Offline Preparedness Resources: Previously viewed planning guides and checklists can still be referenced if cellular or internet service is disrupted.
iBooks, Apple News+ and iTunes Music
For families preparing for a hurricane, downloading entertainment in advance can make long power outages and periods without internet access more manageable. Apple News+ allows subscribers to download stories, magazines, recipes, puzzles and audio stories for offline reading and listening, while Apple Books lets users save e-books and audiobooks to enjoy without a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
Music and podcasts can also help pass the time during a storm. Apple Music subscribers can download songs, albums and playlists for offline listening, and similar features are available through services like Spotify and other reading or entertainment apps. Taking a few minutes to download content before a hurricane can provide hours of entertainment if service is interrupted.
Zello
Zello is a free push-to-talk app that turns your smartphone into a walkie-talkie, making it a useful communication tool during hurricanes. According to Zello, users can create private channels to stay in touch with family, friends and neighbors over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
While the app requires an internet connection for live communication, it can store voice messages and send them once service returns. Setting up a family or neighborhood channel before a storm can make it easier to stay connected during emergencies.
Bridgefy
Bridgefy is a messaging app designed to help people stay connected when internet and cellular service are unavailable. According to Bridgefy, users only need an internet connection the first time they open the app to create an account. After setup, messages can be sent offline via Bluetooth mesh, making it a useful tool during hurricanes and other emergencies.
The app allows users to communicate with nearby family, friends and neighbors without relying on cell towers or Wi-Fi.
Weather Underground
Weather Underground provides hyper-local weather forecasts and real-time conditions using data from more than 250,000 personal weather stations. According to Weather Underground, the app also includes interactive radar maps, satellite imagery and severe weather alerts.
During hurricane season, the app can help families track storms and monitor changing weather conditions in their specific area, making it easier to stay informed and prepared.
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