11 Must Have Apps to Survive A STORM

When natural (or unnatural) disasters strike at home, we’ve all seen the devastation they can cause; but what about when you’re on the road in your RV? Unfamiliar surroundings, not knowing local emergency methods and being unaware of even the sort of dangers that could arise, make dealing with storm related emergencies especially challenging when traveling. Getting emergency preparedness apps on your smartphone is one way to keep you and your family safe and prepared for any bad weather in your traveling path.



When traveling in different States of the U.S.

You probably already have a disaster-preparedness kit (if you don’t check out ready.gov for what to include.) Don’t count on working cell or WiFi service in a disaster, or power to charge your batteries. Keep charged backup batteries for mobile devices in your disaster kit.

These 11 apps are ones that we use or have learned about from our guests that can benefit RVers and travelers of all sorts.

1.  Get the latest weather no matter where you are traveling.

NOAA's weather programs touch the lives of every American. Every day, decisions are made based on NOAA weather information -- from the mundane "should I pack an umbrella today?" to the most critical and potentially life-saving. With the mission to protect life and property, and enhance the United States' economy, NOAA's National Weather Service is the sole official voice of the U.S. government for all kinds of weather situations.

And now, it's all available on your smartphone. Click on these links to see the available downloads, some free, some for a fee.

For your android phone        For your iPhone

2.  Know where the disasters are.
PDC has released a new version of its popular Disaster Alert, a free-download application ("app") for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices that provides users with instant access to worldwide hazards information. The app informs users of active hazards around the globe —current and near-real time incidents that are designated "potentially hazardous to people, property, or assets"—via maps and lists, with links to other useful information about the events and their potential impacts.  Download the disaster alert apps here. 

3.  First Aid/CPR Guidance

The American Red Cross provides a first aid app with free lifesaving first aid instruction... and disaster preparedness information including videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice.
There is a similar app from the American Heart Association for iPhones and for Androids

 

4.  Hurricane Tracking and Preparedness
There are numerous hurricane tracking apps.  This American Red Cross link has their app plus links to several others as well.

5.  Earthquake App

Be ready for an earthquake with Earthquake by American Red Cross. Get notified when an earthquake occurs, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who travels or lives in an earthquake-prone area or has loved ones who do.  It also includes an "I'm Safe" feature to notify family and friends that you are okay.  

From your mobile phone, call "**REDCROSS" (**73327677) and we will send you a link to download the app to your phone or you can download them directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

6.  Wildfire Help
Be ready for a wildfire with Wildfire by the American Red Cross. Get notified about active wildfires, as well as fire weather warnings, prepare your family, home and pets, let loved ones know that you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an area that is susceptible to wildfires or has loved ones that do.  Get the app here.

7.  Red Cross Shelter Finder
Offered by the American Red Cross, the application maps locations and shelter details across the United States. Zoom in to your local area. View shelter details: the agency managing the shelter, capacity of the shelter and current population, the associated disaster event and the specific shelter address and location.  Download the Shelter Finder Here. 

8.  Point and Click
When weather threatens the Point and Click App can keep you appraised of approaching severe weather. A variable distance selection can be set using miles or kilometers.
http://www.ilovefreeapps.com/point-and-click

9.  Know where to obtain emergency fuel.
Locate gas stations near you and see their current gas prices. Get the Gas Buddy App Here.






10.  A Cutesy but handy app to keep you out of the dark

Never be caught without a flashlight.  This app is available for all devices and puts out a pretty good light.  Just remember to use it sparingly in an emergency to save your smartphone battery.
Just search your app store on your smartphone for flashlight apps and you'll find several. 

11.  Dropbox
Dropbox lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Access any file you save to your Dropbox from all your computers, iPhone, iPad and even the Dropbox website!  Think emergency info!  You could transfer all your medical, allergy, blood type, etc. info easily on your smart phone.  If you needed medical help in a disaster this info could prove invaluable to medical personnel.  Download DropBox for Mobile Here. 



Don't' forget
It's best to download and familiarize yourself with these apps before you need them.  If the links in this post are only good for an Android or only for an iPhone, just search your App Store or marketplace on your smartphone for the app you need. 
Also, most people already have a map application on their cell phones.  Either use it or a regular map to familiarize yourself with your location and know the county you're in.  That's usually info you'll need to determine emergency conditions near you.  Hopefully you'll not need these apps and all your travels will be smooth sailing.

"We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn't have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness."   Petra Nemcova

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV

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