Emergency Apps You Should Download Today
In uncertain times, the right information can help keep you and your family safe. One of the easiest, fastest and most convenient ways to stay in-the-know during trying times or emergency situations is with your smartphone. From natural disasters to medical emergencies, our collection of emergency apps — available for both iOS and Android — can help ensure you have what you need, no matter what life throws at you.
Set up your emergency medical information.
Before you do anything else, make sure you’ve added your emergency medical information to your phone’s optional ID card. If anything happens to you, this can be accessed by a bystander — without unlocking your phone — to get you the help you need. Here’s how to set it up.
On iPhones: Open the Health app (it comes with your phone) and tap the Medical ID tab. Select “Edit” and add your essential info: think medical conditions, date of birth, blood type and emergency contacts.
On Androids: For most Android users, this can be found inside your settings by selecting “User & Accounts,” then “Emergency Information.” Tap “Edit Information” and enter your essential info. Select “Add Contacts” to include a list of emergency contacts.
Emergency apps for first aid basics.
There are two good ways to take advantage of emergency first aid information. One is to learn which supplies will help you address urgent needs, and the second is to understand what steps you should take when faced with a first aid situation. Here are two apps that can help you treat minor or concerning medical situations. Don't worry, we didn't forget about your four-legged family members.
First Aid: American Red Cross is a good resource to have on hand for stressful moments, no matter how much first aid knowledge you have. From a minor cut to a more concerning symptom, the app walks you through what to do and how to do it — as well as alerting you to situations in which to call 911. Download here for iOS users and here for Android.
Pet First Aid focuses on essential care for your furry family members. Details include for professional advice, quizzes and step-by-step help so you can keep your pets safe and healthy. Android users can download the app here and iOS users can get the Pet First Aid app here.
Emergency apps for real-time alerts.
In a disaster, information is key to help guide your decisions — big and small. These 3 emergency apps offer everything from alerts on a storm’s timing to resources to help after a disaster.
FEMA will send you customized weather warnings and other information about disasters and emergencies, including timely safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips and disaster resources. If you find yourself without shelter, for example, this app can help you find one near you. If you simply want to make sure you’re prepared, use the app’s checklists to develop useful, practical emergency kits. Download the FEMA app to your Android or iOS device.
MyRadar Weather Radar offers a simple, animated view of the local and national weather, but what really stands out are the add-on layers. For example, the hurricane layer allows users to track real-time storm paths and set alerts if you live where the storm is predicted to strike. Rain alerts deliver customized location details about storm arrival and precipitation amounts to better help with planning and any emergency steps to take. Click to download the app for iOS and Android.
Disaster Alert is a must if you travel often or have family that lives across the globe. It includes real-time updates and monitors the activity of hazards in other countries as they unfold. Android users, click here to download; iOS users, find the app here.
Apps to help you stay safe while traveling.
Concerns about staying safe don’t stop just because you’re away for a weekend or vacationing for two weeks. On-demand tools via these apps allow you to gather and quickly access details to your personal plans and find big-picture insights if current events change wherever you’re visiting.
TripIt serves as a one-stop organizer for all your travel details. Forward your reservations for flights, hotels and other information to your account, and the app will create a personalized itinerary with all your info available at a glance (good to help reveal any issues with the timing of your reservations). Once the app knows where you’ll be, it provides you with neighborhood safety scores, currency conversions and more. Download the iOS version here, and the Android option here.
U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler enables users to access real-time updates such as travel alerts and warnings as well as contact information for the closest U.S. embassy. You can also use the app to access the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows you to tell the State Department where you’ll be and how to contact you. Should anything happen while you’re abroad, it’ll be easier for them to find or help you. Download here for iOS users and here for Android.
Emergency apps for communication with your family.
The most important thing during any emergency, of course, is communicating with your loved ones and ensuring their safety, whether they live with you or across the country. A number of apps, including a few from Verizon, can help.
Life360: Find Family & Friends supplies helpful daily check-ins to keep track of and help family and loved ones. You can use the app to text one another, track a friend on a solo run and even set up alerts to tell you when your son gets home from school. During uncertain times, however, the app can be used to regroup, make plans or even locate a lost family member’s phone. Use the iOS or Android links to download the app.
Verizon Wireless Smart Family builds in location tracking and a “pick me up” feature (making those requests for car rides simpler). In addition, parents can use it to check apps that kids are downloading and using, filter and block content, and pause the internet. Download for either Android or iOS.
Verizon Roadside Assistance offers help for you — or your teen drivers — should they encounter common driving issues such as a dead battery or flat tire. The app lets you request help, 24/7, including opening a locked car and a tow, too. Click for the Android download and the iOS download.
Stay safe out there.
Whether you’re weathering a storm or determining if your child needs to see a doctor, the right knowledge at the right time can make all the difference. But you don’t need to do it on your own — Verizon is here for you. Use these tools and this collection of apps as well as the practical features in the My Verizon app to build a plan so you’re ready for whatever comes your way.