FLORIDA — You’ve got your closet and pantry stocked up with the things you might need in a storm emergency, but what about your smartphone? Is it likewise loaded with all the helpful tools you might need if and when the big blow comes?
These days, the way handheld technology puts useful information at your fingertips it can literally be a lifesaver in an emergency. Here are some apps you should consider downloading and installing on your phone before the cones of uncertainty start showing up on your local weather forecasts.
(NOTE: The Spectrum News staff has not used all apps in a real-world emergency. Apps were selected for inclusion based on personal experience, recommendations and reviews.)
LOCAL NEWS & WEATHER
Getting up-to-the-minute news can be paramount during a storm crisis, so of course we’re gonna recommend our own Spectrum News app (iOS) (Google Play Store). With national reach, boots-on-the-ground local coverage and an unimpeachable weather team, we’ve got you covered all storm season long.
The Spectrum News App's Storm Season section is designed specifically to provide everything you need to know about hurricane season, from breaking weather reports to the latest news on what you'll need to prepare for and get through any worst-case scenario, who to contact in an emergency and more. Our dedicated Weather section provides even more comprehensive year-round coverage, including hour-by-hour forecasts and daily updates, facts and knowledge from hometown meteorologists with the experience and expertise residents have trusted for decades. Klystron 9's cutting-edge radar technology features hyperlocal data and temperature overlays, as well as long-range tropical system cone forecasts to help you plan ahead.
It’s important to know what’s going on in your county, state or even your neighborhood in a timely fashion, and local online social groups can sometimes bring you updates before they become news stories, so apps like NextDoor (iOS) (Google Play Store) can be very useful in a pinch, as can the usual social feeds from Facebook and Twitter.
Here are some other trusted sources to consider as well NOAA (iOS) (Google Play Store), the American Red Cross (iOS) (Google Play Store) and the National Hurricane Center (iOS).
AUTHORITIES
When it comes to knowing how government and municipal bodies are preparing for and adapting to severe weather, it’s good to get a mix of high-level and local information. The FEMA app (iOS) (Google Play Store) is a must-have, while in West Central Florida, for example, Pinellas (iOS) (Google Play Store), Pasco (iOS)(Google Play Store) and Polk (iOS) counties have apps that could save you some internet searching for the latest news. Most counties’ sheriff’s offices have apps available, too.
COMMUNICATION
Your usual texting and chatting channels (iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, FireChat, etc.) could get overloaded when things get risky, so you’ll want an alternative or two on your device. Zello (iOS) (Google Play Store) is a great walkie-talkie-style “push to talk” app that gained great storm-season popularity several years ago, and still holds up; it also integrates directly with North American help organization Grassroots Rescue. Talk Now! (iOS) (Google Play Store) is another good option for quick communication—just make sure your emergency contacts and family members also have the app you choose installed on their phones.
MEDICAL
Sure, it might kill some time if the power goes out, but you don’t really need to spend a terrifying hour surfing WebMD to find out if you’re going to get gangrene after wading through some questionable knee-high water. Emergency first aid knowledge, however, is something you’ll want easy access to, and the American Red Cross (iOS) (Google Play Store) has both you and your pet (iOS) (Google Play Store) covered.
EVACUATION
If your local authorities mandate an evacuation and you need to hit the road, you’ll want all the information you can get, in as close to real time as possible. Waze (iOS)(Google Play Store) is an incredibly popular map app that incorporates both evacuation routes and user-submitted information, and honestly should probably be your go-to for directions on the daily anyway. Google Maps (iOS) (Google Play Store) also takes advantage of those little extras to help you find the best and fastest route. And if you need to gas up during an emergency situation, GasBuddy (iOS) (Google Play Store) is a handy app to help find the cheapest available fuel.
LODGING
Nobody plans a vacation as a storm is moving in, but you might need to find a hotel room in a hurry if things really go sideways. There are a ton of apps out there for just that purpose; Booking.com (iOS) (Google Play Store) and Hotels.com (iOS) (Google Play Store) are both lauded when it comes to aggregating last-minute availability, and, of course, perennial favorite AirBNB (iOS) (Google Play Store) might be of help when the nearest safe hotels are full.