In case of emergency: Use your smartphone as an emergency tool

When disaster strikes, your phone may be there to help. Crises can happen in an instant. And when they do, you want to be certain your family is safe. While you may not realize it, your phone can be a critical emergency tool. Take a few minutes to understand how it can help keep you and your family prepared.

In an emergency, your phone can help you:Access basic first aid: Know how to deal with heat stroke, stop a bleed or run a practice fire drill with the Red Cross First Aid app that has guides, videos and checklists to help you prepare for all of life’s emergencies—big and small.

Get medical help: The smartphone app, iTriage, was created by two ER doctors and helps you answer the most important questions, “What do I have” and “Where can I get help?” and includes wait times for local emergency rooms. You can also store medical information within the app to have it handy when you see a physician.

Prepare for severe weather: Download the FEMA app that has interactive checklists for emergency kits and a map of disaster centers and shelters.  In addition, stay updated on the incoming weather with the NOAA Now app that gives you updated information and warnings on major storms.

Have personalized 911 Service: Make sure the 9-1-1 dispatcher that takes your call is well informed about your preexisting conditions or allergies by signing up for AT&T’s Smart911 at smart911.com. You can create a SmartSafety profile so that when your number pops up on a dispatcher’s screen they can already have your information on hand instead of burning time collecting background information.

Have power in a power outage: Keep your smartphone battery alive when you can’t plug it in by using a hand-cranked charger—you can find models for under $20 that also double as flashlights.

Locate family members with AT&T FamilyMap:

In a disaster, you can register for the Red Cross Safe and Well program, that lets you check in and automatically update your social media status plus search for the status of friends and family.

Stay alive in the wild: Don’t get caught off guard in the wilderness, hikers and campers can download the U.S. Army Survival Guide app that covers everything from finding water to selecting a spot to build shelter. 

Remember Fido: Watch out for the four-legged members of the family with the Pet First Aid app.It’s full of videos and step-by-step illustrations that guide you through how to handle any pet emergency—including how to give CPR to Kitty.

Charges may apply for download of app. Messaging and data rates may apply for app download and usage.