Here’s some savvy advice from Consumer Action and AT&T.
Your mobile phone may be the first thing you reach for in an emergency. Approximately 70 percent of 911 calls are placed from a mobile phone and 74 percent of consumers have used a mobile phone in an emergency. According to one recent study, 19 percent of consumers had used their mobile phone to get help in an emergency in the last 30 days.
Consumer Action and AT&T are working together to educate the public about new choices for using wireless technologies during an emergency. They just released a list of wireless technology tips for emergency situations that offers suggestions on how to prepare for emergencies, how to utilize wireless devices and where to find the latest technologies.
“Disasters strike when we least expect it, which is why we are working to provide consumers with emergency preparedness resources,” said Ken McEldowney, Consumer Action’s executive director.
Some of the tips include: using emergency-specific mobile applications such as the FEMA App; knowing how to keep your mobile phone powered with solar or hand crank chargers; and registering yourself and loved ones with the American Red Cross “Safe and Well” database.
There are lots of other easy ways to use apps and social media to be better prepared for an emergency. The full list of 11 Great Ways Your Smartphone Can Work Smarter in an Emergency is available on Consumer Action’s website.
*AT&T is not responsible, nor liable for, any statements, claims, or services provided by third party apps mentioned above or your use of such third party applications.