The estimated reading time for this post is 5 minutes
Note to Readers: This article was written in anticipation of Hurricane Irene but is relevant if you are preparing for Hurricane Sandy.
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If you live anywhere on the East Coast of the United States, you are bracing for Hurricane Irene to hit. I can’t count how many times predictions have been made for “The Storm of the Century”, but this time they might be right.
I live outside Philadelphia, an area directly in the projected path of the storm. So our family will be hunkering down in the basement this weekend, unless Irene graciously turns and heads out to sea.
Local news channels are warning that we might be without electricity and water for days and advising what to do ahead of the storm. We are also checking Ready.gov, FEMA’s website filled with advice to prepare for disaster ahead of time. In addition to instructing you to buy the necessary supplies, such as food, water, flashlights and batteries, FEMA suggests some tech tips, including adding ICE numbers to your phone (see, ICE: Tech to Save Your Life) and making sure you and your family members understand how to contact each other if disaster strikes.
How Tech Can Help
1. Texts
As some people learned during this week’s earthquake (yes, we’ve had our hands full here on the East Coast), cell phone service may be unavailable, but text messages can usually get through. If you’ve never sent or received a text message, take a few minutes today to figure out how to do it.
[tip] You send a text from a cell phone to another cell phone. Don’t try sending a text to a home phone number or other landline phone.[/tip]
Here is a handy guide that will walk you through the process: howtotextmessage.com. If you need help with this, ask a friend or neighbor to show you. Don’t be embarrassed. We all had to learn how to text at some point.
Send a practice text to a loved one and have them send one back. If you don’t have a QWERTY keyboard on your phone, typing is a pain. For example, you will have to press the number 7 four times to make an S appear. But in an emergency, texting might be your best way of communicating.
Don’t worry about signing up for a text message plan with your cell phone carrier yet. A text message only costs about 25¢ without a plan (that’s 25¢ each for sending and for receiving), so unless you get hooked, there’s no need for a plan.
2. Internet
If you lose electricity you may still be able to access the Internet. You can use your 3G signal to connect with a smartphone or a 3G iPad, assuming your local cell phone tower is still working and the network is operational. Wi-Fi won’t be an option for you because your router won’t work without electricity, but you should be able to connect to the Internet over 3G.
This means you may be able to use email, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Skype to check on others and find out the status of the storm. You can also check local news sites for updates on storm damage, flooded roads and current weather conditions.
If you have an iPad with 3G, you’re in great shape to stay connected. Unless the cell phone carriers are completely disabled or your nearest tower goes down, you should be able to surf the net on your large screen with your extensive battery life and stay online a long time.
3. Weather Apps
If you don’t have a weather app with satellite images on your smartphone, you should get one now. The weather app that comes with the iPhone just won’t cut it during a hurricane.
Dozens of weather apps are available for the iPhone and Android phones. My two favorites are Weatherbug and The Weather Channel, both free. Here are the links:
iTunes: Weatherbug and The Weather Channel
Android Market: Weatherbug and The Weather Channel.
For dedicated storm trackers, check out hurricane apps for your device. I just downloaded Hurricane Tracker HD for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store. This app should keep me informed during the storm with Real Time Updates, Satellite Images, Push Notifications and Atlantic Tropical Discussions.
4. Flashlight
Even if you can’t stay connected to the Internet, a cell phone or iPad can serve you well as a flashlight. You don’t even need a smartphone.
4. Conserving Power
While it may be tempting to while away the hours playing Angry Birds while the electricity is out, try to avoid temptation. You don’t know how long you will be without power and you may need your device for vital communication later. Until you lose electricity, feel free to play Angry Birds, stream Netflix or commiserate with your friends on Facebook as much as you want. Just keep your devices plugged in so you’re not using battery power.
[important]Make sure your devices are fully charged before you lose power! [/important]
When the lights go out and you’re truly hunkered down, conserve battery power on your smartphone or iPad by turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Close any apps you won’t be using. Try to make the battery last as long as possible because you don’t know how long you will be without power and you don’t want your battery to die when you need it most.
One device you don’t have to worry about? A Kindle. If you Turn Off Wireless (Menu => Turn Off Wireless), your battery should last for weeks. If you have a battery operated booklight, you can catch up on all those books you have been planning to read. Of course this works with Dead Tree Books too!
Bottom Line
During a natural disaster, the most important concern is to stay safe. Use tech to learn about current weather conditions, follow the news, stay in touch with loved ones, and perhaps be entertained. Just don’t forget to charge your phone before you lose power!
Let’s hope Irene, the goddess of peace, lives up to her name…
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Are you dealing with Irene this weekend? Have you used tech during disasters? Let us know in the Comments Section below!
* Image by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
** Image by ccarlstead
Carolyn – Take care and be safe. We’ll be thinking about you guys. Hope all this mess turns the other way and dies out!
Hi Karen, thanks! We should be okay, we’re in a brick house at the top of a hill with a finished basement so it should be an adventure without too much danger. But I hope that others are able to stay safe and out of the way of Irene. I’m just glad our family isn’t on the cruise ship any more!
Thanks for your visit and your comment!
Great post Carolyn,
Although I think we are predicted to miss the storm here in Atlanta, these are some really good ideas and tips to survive any storm. Definitely worth noting. I appreciate you sharing them. Hope your day is going swell and that your weekend, storm wise, will be uneventful. All the best to you and yours. 🙂
Deeone
Hi Deeone, Yes, these tips would work with other storms as well. I am very glad you are safe in Atlanta and hope you have a great weekend!
Thanks for your visit, awesome comments and votes!
You’re going to think I’m crazy (what else is new right) but I only wish I was dealing with Irene this weekend. I only say that because we really need the rain she could bring us.
But my thoughts will be with you during this time. I don’t wish anything bad to happen to anyone, I’ve been through enough of these in my life.
Knowing me the way you do now, I don’t use tech devices during these types of storms. Sure, you conserve your cell usage as much as necessary and I always have plenty of batteries here. I revert back to the old portable radio for weather updates, it does work wonders you know.
The last bad one we had was Ike and the entire city was without electricity, some parts for over a month. My area went 10 days while my Mom’s was out for 14. To say the least, my cell didn’t last that long and eventually packed things up after 6 days and went to stay with my brother.
Your updates and gadgets are very helpful during times like this and I do hope that if all goes well, you’ll let us know how you are on Facebook! Okay?
Thanks Carolyn and stay safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, No, I certainly don’t think you are crazy. We had no rain all summer long until I left on vacation and since then it has rained enough to make August a record month for rainfall already, and the month hasn’t even ended yet and we’re facing 7-12 inches of rain this weekend. I left brown grass and I came back from vacation to green grass.
So I understand craving rain. And I certainly wish we could send some to you, I really do.
I hope we’re not without electricity for an extended period, but the main think is for everyone to stay safe. We should be fine and I hope to stay online as long as possible. I just was off the grid for 10 days. I’m not ready to go off again, though last time I was off, great things happened!
I hope you have a wonderful, wet weekend!
Yeah, watch out Carolyn because those votes might shoot through the roof if you lose electricity this weekend.
It’s funny because whenever we have had a tropical storm or hurricane while I’ve lived here in Houston, I never lost electricity. A girlfriend of mine had never been through a hurricane and her boyfriend was out of the country when Ike was headed our way so she wanted me to come stay with her. I told her no because I always felt safe here and we never lost power. Of course with Ike, the entire city lost power so you know that’s huge. The very first night was actually kind of scary because there was no moon, there were no street lights and the city was black. It stayed that way for at least the first two days and then they started getting it on in certain parts. So I can understand not wanting to lose that, especially during the heat wave we’re currently having.
I know everything’s going to be okay though. Just as long as you are safe, that’s all that really matters.
Wow, Adrienne, that must have been quite an adventure. We are so fortunate to have electricity, and losing it every so often reminds of this wonder of tech!
Thanks so much for all of your support this week! You really made my week with your kind and generous article. You really are a very special friend.
I hope your weekend is amazing. 🙂
Take good care of yourself out there, Carolyn! I sure am glad you’re prepared with all of these tech tips! =) Peru just had a 7-grade earthquake a couple days ago only 250 miles away from where I am in the Andes and it was freaky to think what I would need to do if it were truly an emergency. Thankfully, there were no disasters, but the fiasco had me really thinking about in-case-of-emergency strategies. This was a timely post for me, Carolyn! Thank you so much!
Hello Samantha, Wow, you have been through a lot lately. I am glad you are safe in spite of all of your predicaments. I hope you have a safe and boring weekend!
Thanks so much for your visit, comment and votes. I appreciate all of your support! 🙂
Good advice, we don’t usually get hurricanes in England; but I did get caught in one once. It wasn’t as bad as the ones you experience, but worried me a little travelling in it. That one did some damage too.
True, hurricanes don’t seem to be a concern in England but there was that dreaded ash cloud last year.
Heading over to check out your latest blog. Thanks for your visit, wonderful comment and votes!
A timely post, Carolyn. Be safe. My prayers are with you.
In case you wanted to tweet/share some hurricane resources with friends on the projected path:
#Hurricane information ➔ http://www.imaphurricane.info/ ➔ http://t.co/VEMJl5q ➔ http://www.weather.com/newscenter/hurricanecentral/2011/irene.html
Thanks, Stan, for the well wishes, the votes and the link! We should be fine. We’re well stocked and in good shape to weather the weather.
Have a great weekend!
The goddess of peace is Irene. So peace be with you, but not the hurricane.
Thanks, Jerry, and may peace be with you too, whether or not you’re in Irene’s path.
Love that I inspired this post! Stay safe everyone, my parents think it’s hype, but better to be safe than sorry. 😀
Hi Lincoln, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! You absolutely did inspired this post. The past two days I had other articles planned, but then Steve Jobs retired and Irene approached.
Your article title is one of the best I’ve ever seen and the content is great too.
Our family is very safe, no worries. I hope you are safe this weekend too. Don’t take any chances, even though you feel “at one” with hurricanes. I look forward to reading your future articles!
Hi, Carolyn.
This post is quite timely and I’m sure will be appreciated by a lot of people, especially those who did not realize that their gadgets can help them through such disaster as a hurricane. Now, I get what you say about writing articles that make non-techie people like me feel like there is still a chance for us to at least understand the newfangled gadgets around us.
My thoughts are with you and your family as well as all the other families that may be bracing themselves for the incoming hurricane. I do hope that it won’t be as bad as predicted. Stay safe and always know that we are here sending you virtual hugs all throughout.
Hugs,
Kim
Hi Kim, Thank you so much for your kind words. You’re right, there is always an opportunity to learn new things and tech gives you plenty of opportunity to expand your horizons. Just don’t be intimidated by tech and you’ll be fine. Kind of like making lasagna!
I appreciate your well wishes for me and my family. We’re on high ground so we’ll be safe riding out the storm. The intensity of the storm has decreased so hopefully all will be well when it hits tomorrow.
Thanks so much for your visit, awesome comments and votes!
Prevention is better than cure..Be safe all..
Hi voip, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! You’re absolutely right. better to be safe than sorry. We’re hunkered down, playing it safe, so no worries here.
Thank you kindly for your visit and comment!
Hi Carolyn,
I can’t even imagine how you’re doing right now. I live in Norway, and I’ve never been closed to a storm or an earth quake. I hope you’re doing ok in the basement. Actually it sounds kind of cozy, if you have snacks, pizza and a movie (or some board games that the family can play together) 🙂
I read a lot about Hurricane Katrina and how Twitter helped saved lives. I’m thinking that technology and social media becomes even more important when it comes helping people in situations like these. I have also read about creating maps like from http://www.zeemaps.com/ where we can use maps in order to visualize what is going on.
I wish you a fantastic weekend, and thanks again for the wonderful gift.
Jens
Hi Jens, I laughed out loud when I read your comment. That’s just what we’re doing, we’re in the basement with snacks and watching a movie. We’re working our way through the American Film Institute’s Top 100, watching The Apartment right now. And tonight it’s homemade pizza for dinner! You’re right, it’s very cozy. We will move on to board games when we lose electricity.
Thanks for the link to Zee Maps. That’s a wonderful resource that could come in handy!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend too. And thank you for all of your help and support!
Homemade pizza? TV movie marathon? Board games? Sounds like heaven, can I come over?
Looks like Irene hit our shores, and suddenly realized the awesome sauce that is me was inland and decided to soften up a bit. Ahhh if only I had that effect on women too. What a wonderful world this would be. O:-)
“I see skies of blue, and clouds of white…
The bright blessed day, dark sacred night…
And I think to myself…
What a wonderful woOoOoOOOorlllLddd…”
Sure, Lincoln, come on over! We didn’t lose electricity, but plenty of people in our area are without power. You’re right, it wasn’t the worst night I’ve ever spent. 🙂
Maybe, Lincoln, you just need to meet a woman named Irene?
I’m glad you are safe, Lincoln. I’m happy that your blog title wasn’t a prediction of a rough storm for you!
My thoughts are with you and your family Carolyn, I hope your property is untouched and the storm passes far away from you and yours. This was a thoughtful post to write up for all those who may be affected by this attack of nature and who maybe wondering how best to get through it. Good luck with winning that award, I’m sure it will be a home run!
Hi Stacey, Thank you very much for your well wishes. We will be fine. Last night we brought all of our outdoor things inside and stocked the pantry. We should be good because we’re on high ground, no worries about flooding for us. But hope all the others who aren’t so fortunate are able to find safety.
I know many are worried about those who are in direct danger so maintaining the ability to communicate with loved ones is very important.
Thanks so much, Stacey, for your visit, kind words, tweets and votes! Have a great weekend. 🙂
A great blog. Will be saving the batteries in the phone until after the hurricane, so I won’t try texting until then. The info on texting sounds good
Hi Jerry, Yes, make sure you read that article on How to Text so you know how to send and receive texts in case of emergency. But if you lose electricity, conserve your cell phone battery as much as possible.
I hope you were safe during the storm! Thanks for your visit and your comments. 🙂
Hi Carolyn, made it over – black, with one sugar – please :-).
I did hear about both the hurricane and earthquake. I’ve never experienced a hurricane, but an earthquake … It was only a small one, but it scared the s*** out of me! What a horror. I hope you and your loved ones remain safe and well.
Yourself and your readers are certainly now well prepared though to keep in up-to-date and in touch, both before and during any such disasters.
When sending texts, I’ve the phone where you press the 7 four times to get an S. My son did get impatient with me once while I was typing one up and sent it from his phone (he’s a touch screen). My message was not only typed & sent quicker – I didn’t pay for it! (It took him awhile to click to that – teenagers do not like putting out money for anyone but themselves!).
Thanks Carolyn for sharing this information and for visiting my blog, much appreciated.
Again, Contraulations on your nomination for the ” Most Valuable Philadelphia Blogger Nominee of 2011″ and good luck. I voted again 😉
Take Care
Julie
Hi Julie, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! So glad you came over for a cuppa and some tech talk!
There are some non-smartphones that have QWERTY keyboards, so if you get hooked on texting, you don’t need to make the leap to smartphones to make texting easier. But if you text a lot a numerical keyboard can be a nightmare.
Believe it or not, I used my non-smartphone to surf the net before there were smartphones. I checked email and entered my email address and password (I can’t remember exactly how I got the “@” symbol, I think pressing the 2 four times?). It took me about 15 minutes just to log in. But that was in the days of dial up internet service when it could take you 15 minutes to log in to your email on your computer. But we thought the tech was neat back then because it was all new. Imagine how primitive we will think today’s technology is ten years from now!
Thanks so much, Julie, for your visit, brilliant comment, awesome tweet and helpful votes!
It’s ironic you are having to deal with a hurricane and it totally bypassed us in Florida. I’ve lived in Florida all my life and fortunately only have had to deal with two direct hits (in ’04 it seemed to be one month long hit however).
Thanks for sharing, hope you guys are safe and just got a lot of rain. Good luck.
Hi Bill, I have faced quite a few hurricanes and tropical storms living in the Northeast. We have a visitor from Germany who is staying with us and she had never been through either an earthquake or a hurricane before. I didn’t really think about the fact that Germans don’t have to deal with hurricanes. She found it all quite exciting!
I’m glad Irene missed Florida. I wouldn’t wish her wrath on anyone, except maybe Adrienne who said they need the rain in Texas. We have significant road flooding in our area, but I believe everyone remained safe.
Thanks so much, Bill, for your awesome tweets, comments and votes! Really appreciated. 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
I do not know the status of storm but all I can say is that I wish the best for you and your family. I hope you are safe.
It is very important to conserve batteries in these circumstances. In India we are used to powercuts. So we have a stack of car batteries in parallel to maintain the voltage. A chip controls the operation. Incase the power is gone, the chip device connects the mains to the batteries.
We call this device “inverter”. It mostly uses connected car batteries. That was some native tech for you haha!!!!
I hope you are good and wish you the best .
Ashvini
Hi Ashvini, Wow, India seems well prepared for power outages. In the US, we can buy generators, but our family doesn’t have one. They are expensive and so far we haven’t been without electricity for more than a few hours.
We were very lucky in the storm. We kept electricity the entire time and had no trees uprooted. Many in the area were not so fortunate.
Thank you so much, Ashvini, for your good wishes, awesome tweet, helpful votes and fantastic Facebook post spreading the news! I greatly appreciate all of your support. 🙂
Now that our technology is totally advancing, we can feel more safer than before. More information about the disaster can be gathered beforehand with the use of any medium we have like computer/laptop (for internet access), radio (thru their stations) and tv (different networks). In addition, we can still get any updates after the disaster take place. In of these scenarios, we can be updated anytime so we could actually prepare ourselves for us not to be in danger.
Hi Mark, That’s very true. I lost electricity this week, well after Hurricane Irene was long gone. I was very happy that I had a charged iPad so I could look up the number to the electric company. I just wish my phone had more of a charge, but luckily we were only out of power for a few hours.
It’s great to use tech to be prepared and for help after events such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
Thank you very much, Mark, for your visit and comment!
LOL Lucky for you to run out of power for only a few hours. Actually, I had same experience here the other day. I’m so thankful that I was aware of the weather that time and was able to charge both my laptop and mobile phone so I kept myself busy for more than 5 hours I guess.
Thank you, Deeone, for the awesome shoutout! Great article. 🙂