One thing most of us carry at all times is our phones, so why not make them smarter? Phones these days can do much more than check emails and take pictures; they can do CPR too (well, almost)! They can be more useful in an emergency situation than you may realize!
There are thousands of apps and more coming out each day. I tried to round-up some of the best emergency apps below, but if I missed one of your favorites let me know!
Emergency Apps – But What About …
I can already see the buts coming my way so let me address some of them here:
No Cell Service?
Anyone that’s been through a natural disaster realizes cell service is often times one of the 1st things to go! Sometimes having good cell service is tough enough, so why would you bother downloading apps to your phone if a disaster is going to wipe them out?
Well, a lot of these apps once downloaded do not need to be connected to the internet or have cell service to run them. Many are informational apps and will still be able to show you how to do CPR, act as a flashlight, or pull-up important documents as long as they have battery power.
No Electricity?
If your cell phone is anything like mine the battery lasts about a day, maybe 2 if I don’t use it! If you want to be able to keep your cell phone charged (or anything else you can’t live without) you might want to seriously consider a solar generator. There are all sorts of generators on the market that can keep things powered so look for something that works for you.
Calling Family?
One thing I did learn through my 1st Hurricane was to get a phone with a cord! Cordless ones are great, but they don’t do you any good when the electricity is out and the cell towers are down. So think about picking up a $5 phone to add to your emergency kit, because even when cell service is out – landlines often still work!
Most of these apps are not ones you’ll use every day. However, it’s a good idea to go ahead and download them for when the unexpected happens. Even better, when you have spare time (whatever that is) familiarize yourself with their content so you’ll be better prepared to survive a disaster, or even save a life!
* Most of these emergency apps are available for both the Android and I-Phone. Many are free, but others can range in costs.
PLAN AHEAD:
The best time to prepare for a disaster is BEFORE! Each of these emergency apps will help you get your act together and be the most prepared person on the block!
ICE: In Case of Emergency
Paramedics and hospital personnel will often look at a patient’s phone for an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number to know who to call for you, so it’s a good idea to have an app clearly labeled ICE on your home page so they can find it. The ICE app can store a list of people to call, insurance information, doctor names and numbers, medications, allergies, medical conditions, and special instructions in case you’re incapacitated.
Emergency Planner Checklist
Need a little motivation to get prepared? This app is for you then. No one likes to think about emergencies and disasters, but you need to be prepared. This checklist app will help keep you and your loved ones safe by making sure you have everything you need.
Disaster Readiness
Disaster Readiness is an emergency prep guide with more than 175,000 reference guides on how to respond to any disaster situation. Should the power go out, you won’t be able to rely upon the Internet for information. This handy app should have all the info you need, with sections on floods, fires, evacuation, and how to find or create shelter in an emergency.
SAS Survival Guide
Fully downloaded onto your device, no wi-fi or cell signal is needed. In addition to extremely detailed survival information and checklists, you will find videos, quizzes, a morse code signaling device, and a sun compass. This app will help prepare you for urban disasters, natural disasters, how to survive outdoor situations and much more.
StopDisaster
StopDisaster helps walk you through preparedness checklists for hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards and other natural disasters. It’ll help you build an emergency kit, get your documents in order and store your emergency phone numbers, ready to dial.
wikiHow: How to and DIY Survival Kit
This app covers about every emergency situation you could think of. Explore 140,000+ how-to articles, where you can get help with First Aid, CPR & Choking, Animal Attacks, Vehicle Emergencies, Escapes & Rescues, Natural Disasters, Self Defense, Wilderness Survival, and so much more.
Know Your Plan
Use Know Your Plan to be prepared when disaster strikes! Get started by using the preloaded checklists to learn about important mitigation and preparation steps, or create your own lists from scratch. You can set due dates, chart your progress, and include notes with your tasks, and share your checklists with family and friends.
E-Food Storage
E-FoodStorage will make it easy to know what is on your shelves. With an easy “scan-in” and “scan-out” tracking system, this app implements your phone’s camera to scan and recognize the products you buy from their barcodes. E-FoodStorage brings your entire inventory to your fingertips along with multiple tools, tips, and tricks to make keeping food storage easier than you ever thought possible.
Winter Survival Kit
People who live anyplace that gets “real” winters know to keep a winter survival kit in their cars: snow brush/ice scraper, water, food, blankets, and more. This app can help you pack that kit, but it also serves as your virtual survival kit. This app will help you find your current location, call 911, notify your friends and family, calculate how long you can run your engine to keep warm and stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.
NATURAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS:
Each of us are likely to face different disasters depending on where we live, so make sure to download the apps that are relevant for your area.
Earthquake
Earthquake – American Red Cross app provides step-by-step instructions on what to do before/during/after an earthquake. 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.
Hurricane
Be ready for severe weather with Hurricane by American Red Cross. Monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, 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 lives in an area where a hurricane may strike or has loved ones who do.
Tornado
Tornado by American Red Cross app provides access to local and real-time information on what to do before, during and after a tornado, including an audible siren when NOAA issues a tornado warning even if your app is closed. Get your family and home ready for a tornado. The American Red Cross tornado app is the complete solution you need to understand and prepare for a tornado and all that comes with it.
Wildfire
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.
STAY INFORMED:
One of the best ways to be ready for a disaster is to know what’s going on around you! These emergency apps will keep you up-to-date so you are among the 1st to know of anything that is headed your way.
iMapWeather Radio
No matter where you are or what you’re doing, even if your phone is in “sleep” mode, iMapWeather Radio will wake up your iPhone and alert you when dangerous weather is on the way. If you’re traveling, the app will automatically update to your current location. It’s also a full-fledged weather app. Keep on top of potentially dangerous conditions with iMapWeather Radio.
Disaster Alert
Disaster Alert (by Pacific Disaster Center) provides a listing and an interactive map of Active Hazards occurring around the globe. Additional information and reports about hazards can be viewed and shared. The term “Active Hazards” refers to a collection of current and real-time incidents (compiled from authoritative sources), which have been designated “potentially hazardous to people, property or assets” by the PDC DisasterAWARE application.
Hurricane Tracker
When a hurricane is approaching, you don’t want a storm-tracker map from three hours ago; you need the latest official maps, data and projections. This hurricane-tracking app is for serious weather junkies and people who want the most accurate information as they make decisions. Hurricane Tracker: Includes video, radar images, alerts and minute-by-minute tracking updates, so that you can follow a storm all in one place. For Android, try the free Hurricane Software app.
Outbreaks Near Me
With HealthMap’s Outbreaks Near Me application, you have all of HealthMap’s latest real-time disease outbreak information at your fingertips. Open the app and see all current outbreaks in your neighborhood, including news about H1N1 influenza (swine flu). If you spy an outbreak, be the first to report it using the app’s unique outbreak reporting feature.
Scanner Radio
During a disaster, everyone hears rumors. What’s really going on? The answer might be found on police band radio, which you can pick up using this free app. This isn’t talk radio; it’s an unfiltered feed of cops, firefighters and other public-safety officers. It shouldn’t be your only news source, but it could be worth listening in. For iPhone’s take a look at 5-0 Radio Police Scanner Lite.
NAVIGATE YOUR SURROUNDINGS:
When things get chaotic it’s easy to get lost – or maybe you need to relocate to a safer place. These apps will help you find your way ANYWHERE in the world.
MapDroyd
The MayDroyd has Entire country maps. The GPS and compass work without cell service, so this map app survives even if the internet doesn’t. Use GPS sparingly, as a means to get a fix on the map and to save on battery power.
Google Sky Map
Do you know how to read the stars? All you do with the Google Sky Map app is point it at the sky and it will read the stars.
Back Country Navigator
Use your phone or tablet as an offroad topo mapping handheld GPS with the Back Country Navigator app! Explore beyond cell coverage for hiking and trekking. Download topo maps for the US and many other countries in advance, so you won’t need cell coverage when navigating.
GPS Grid Reference
GPS Grid Reference: Great app for outdoor sports, running, hiking, site survey, search and rescue, travel and more!!. Many GPS & Compass features, combines with various OFFLINE maps (UK OS map, USGS, OSM, Mapnik, Topo & Cycle and more!).
MotionX GPS Drive
MotionX GPS Drive is a popular app to guide you out-of-town on an unfamiliar route. This app provides navigation and connects you to your local driving community. The software even should work without a cellular signal if you plan ahead and download and save the maps.
SPOT Connect
The SPOT Connect App is a revolutionary satellite messenger engineered to transmit messages via satellite from virtually anywhere in the world, whether you have a signal or not. You do have to buy their hardware and sign up for their service, but it might be worth it if you are often in remote locations.
SURVIVE & RESPOND:
Sometimes there will be no one around to help you when an emergency arises, or maybe you are someone’s only hope. What would you do? These emergency apps will help guide you through saving yourself or the life of someone else. Definitely take time to familiarize yourself with them before you find yourself in a life or death scenario.
First Aid & CPR
The official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. This emergency app prepares you for whatever life brings with videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice. Preloaded content means you have instant access to all safety information at anytime, even without reception or an Internet connection.
Hands-Only CPR
To treat an adult suffering from cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association recommends hands-only CPR. No more mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. But you still have to do it right. The official Hands-Only CPR app walks you through the two-step checklist: Call 911, then start chest compressions. A brief video shows you what to do.
GoToAID
With a database of over 400 topics, interactive tools, and report generators, GotoAID brings immediate access to first aid information for you and your pets. It also provides a full disaster preparedness section on what to do before, during and after a disaster.
iTriage
Find medications, diseases, and medical locations and instantly get answers to your questions right on your phone. If you or your loved ones are hurt, sick, or injured, iTriage will help you determine what the problem may be. This app will also help you find a doctor, in case you do need medical assistance. You can even store your medical history right within the app.
Pet First Aid
Emergencies happen not only to humans, but to animals too. Pet First Aid is loaded with detailed videos and step-by-step illustrations so you’ll know exactly what to do when caring for your pet. While GotoAid has some pet information, this one is devoted to it. Get detailed instruction on how to save your dog, cat, puppy or kitten in a medical emergency. In addition, you can store all of your pet’s pertinent medical information in this app.
RepairPal: Auto Repair Expert
Be prepared 24/7 for a car emergency. Get the peace of mind and confidence you need to get behind the wheel of your automobile. Whether it’s an auto emergency, a roadside breakdown, or just a small problem, RepairPal can help. This app tells you the right price to pay for your repair, finds you a great mechanic in the area, tracks all your repairs, and gives you one-touch access to roadside assistance.
LACTMED
If you are a nursing mother take a look at this app. LactMed is a database of drugs and other chemicals to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed. It includes information on the levels of such substances in breast milk and infant blood, and the possible adverse effects in the nursing infant. Suggested therapeutic alternatives are provided to those drugs where appropriate.
WISER
WISER (Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders) is a mobile application designed to assist first responders in hazardous material incidents. Even if you are not a 1st responder, knowing what to do and how to handle hazardous materials might be crucial information in an emergency.
REMM
REMM (Radiation Emergency Medical Management) provides guidance about clinical diagnosis and treatment of radiation injuries during radiological and nuclear emergencies.
The Merck Manual
In case the information in GotoAID is not detailed enough for you, there is plenty more in this app. This manual has been written by more than 300 medical experts. It has information on animal bites, burns, chemical burns, fractures, head injuries, nose bleeds, and much more. The app is fully self-contained; no Wi-Fi or cellular Internet connection is needed.
GET HELP:
No matter how prepared you think you are, there are just times we all could use some help. Would you or your family know what to do, or where to go to get help?
Red Panic Button
Allows users to send their GPS location to pre-set emergency contacts with just one touch. If you’re caught in a dangerous situation, getting the word out might be a lifesaver. You just have to set a panic number or email address and the phone will send a message which contains your address and location.
Shelter View
When a hurricane or earthquake drives people from their homes, the American Red Cross steps in to provide shelter. This app maps locations across the U.S., and includes details such as the agency managing the shelter, capacity of the shelter and current population, the associated disaster event and the specific shelter address and location.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app contains preparedness information for different types of disasters, an interactive checklist for emergency kits, a section to plan emergency meeting locations, information on how to stay safe and recover after a disaster and a map with FEMA Disaster Recovery Center locations and shelters.
iWrecked – Auto Accident Assistant
It is a full featured, accident resource for easily logging all details and info after being involved in a wreck. Take unlimited photos of the damage and accident scene with your phone. It can also generate a detailed, professional-looking PDF accident report with images, which you can send directly from the app to your insurance company. Check with your insurance company; many of them offer apps that do the same job but with direct access to your insurer.
!Emergency!
You probably are aware that not all countries use 911 for the Police, Fire Department and Medical Services. If you travel a lot, but do not always have time to find out the important numbers of the country you are in, then this app is for you. Just install this emergency app on your phone and it will detect what country you are in, and dial the correct number in case you should need it.
STAY CONNECTED:
Everyone can probably agree that the top priority in any disaster is finding your family. So whether you are trying to let them know you are ok, or re-uniting with everyone after a catastrophe, these apps will help you do that.
Life360
Life360 can help you find your loved ones, get safety alerts to them or call for help with the tap of a button. It also provides neighborhood safety monitoring. Lets you see family members’ locations and send text messages and emails to them.
Social Alert
Send out a message to your friends and relatives in case of an emergency or crime. Integrating with social networks most of us already use such as Facebook, Twitter and text messages, you can send out a custom emergency message with your exact location, helping authorities pinpoint exactly when and where you are.
Facebook & Twitter
In a crisis, social media can turn from gossip lines to possible lifelines. Whether your friends and family are safe or in danger, they could be posting about it on Facebook and Twitter. Plus, you’ll know about some local businesses that are open after a storm or other natural disaster. Public agencies also post updates on Twitter, so consider following the National Hurricane Center, FEMA and your local transit agency and police department.
ubAlert — Disaster Alert Network
ubAlert is a global social network that operates to save lives by sharing the knowledge of the world’s citizens with those in danger. This app gives you all the information you need when it comes to disasters happening across the world. Alerts contain basic event details, impact statistics, maps, images, videos and more. You can instantly share alerts with co-workers, family members and friends to get them out of harm’s.
OTHER USEFUL APPS:
Here are some basic apps on nearly every phone that can help during a crisis too!
Notepad
A place to jot down quick notes and ideas can come in handy anytime, but especially when preparing for or going through a disaster. It can be a place where you store lists, last-minute things you need to grab, medications, health history, important numbers, things to do, and anything else you can think of.
Calculator
The calculator isn’t just for helping kids with their homework. You can use it during a crisis to figure out the cost of items when cash registers are down, add up how long you can survive on the food/water you have stored, or even how many zombies you’ve killed ;) – By the way is anyone still reading this post?
Camera
If you don’t have time to jot down notes, a camera is great for remembering things you want to do, make, or add to your preps. The camera can also come in handy for everything where you need visual documentation, like an accident, event, or an agreement.
Games
Sometimes surviving is just trying to keep the kids entertained! You can download books, movies, and thousands of games to keep them occupied during a crisis (or even a dental appointment)!
Dropbox
You may have all intentions of grabbing your laptop when the house catches fire, but what if you can’t? If you have copies of your important files stored in a Dropbox account, you should be able to access them even if your computer doesn’t make it out.
Flashlight
If the power goes out, a flashlight app can be invaluable. No more rummaging around your drawers for a flashlight during those first few confusing moments. Remember however, that these apps can result in high battery drain, so you want to make sure your phone is fully charged.
Gas Buddy
Gas prices may be high, but they’re not likely to vary much among the gas stations. During a crisis though, that could all change. GasBuddy uses your GPS to display up-to-the-minute gas prices near you.
Have You Ever Downloaded an Emergency App?
So what apps do you currently have that could help you survive a disaster? I would love to hear if there are any emergency apps I should add to my list, or if you plan on downloading any of these!
Found anything useful? If you did, will you push one (or more) of the buttons below and share it with others! THANK YOU :)
Andrea @ Project Simple Home says
Absolutely FANTASTIC round up Jamie! I’m downloading a few of these now, and then sharing with my readers. Thanks for the great information :) You rock!
Prepared Housewives says
Thanks Andrea!
Just so you know I’m LOVING your daily organizing tips! I’m de-cluttering right now!
Todd Walker says
Wow! Thanks for putting this excellent resource together, Jamie! I’ve got SAS and really like it.
Sharing this!
Prepared Housewives says
The SAS app looked really good. I had so much fun searching the web for different apps. I’m trying to figure out which ones I want to download too. Thanks for sharing!!!
Kartik More says
You never know when you might come across an emergency situation and need help. Having apps that can help you reach out for assistance in any diversity always come in handy. There is an app called SOS Stay Safe (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.extentia.sos) that my family uses in case any of us is stuck in any unwanted scenario.
Prepared Housewives says
I love it! I was just wondering if there was something like this while I was running tonight! I can never go running during normal people hours and tonight I kept thinking of what-if scenarios… This definitely would come in handy on my late night runs, and also just be a great protection app for women!
Tom Miller says
This is a great collection of apps! I will definitely be looking into a few of these immediately. Thank you for putting this together. I will be sharing this!
-Tom
Prepared Housewives says
I appreciate you sharing it Tom! I may have already told you this, because I think about every time I see your blog, but you have the best blog name EVER! Don’t let it lapse or I might steal it ;) I would be the coolest mom ever if I was a Prepared Ninja! My son’s soccer team just named themselves the Blue Ninjas – we are huge Ninja fans around here!
Urbivalist Dan says
This is awesome! Tons o good ideas!!
-Dan
Prepared Housewives says
Thanks Dan! I loved the post you did though! I never even thought about survival apps until recently so I thought it was fun to see your post on apps too! I definitely want to check that one out!
scott says
The full Emergency Response Guide (ERG) is now available as an app on Apple and Android. For FREE!
If you’re not familiar with the ERG, it is one of the go-to guides for first responders dealing with HazMat issues. Want to know what’s in the flipped over tanker on the road? The ERG will tell you. Has important numbers too, like to CHEMTREC.
Prepared Housewives says
Thanks for mentioning that one! I almost mentioned one similar, but debated doing so since it was mainly for 1st responders, but those are actually some of the best apps to have, because then you really know what’s going on!
Pat says
Excellent list Jamie!
Thanks for putting this together. I had a couple of these apps, but this is quite an impressive list.
Pat
Prepared Housewives says
Thanks Pat! I had fun putting it together! It took a little while, because I got so side-tracked looking at all the fun apps they have these days! I had no idea most of them even existed!
Sabrina says
Great list thank you!!! I have a windows phone and most of these aren’t available! BOO! Going to switch to an I-phone or android in February!
Prepared Housewives says
That is a bummer! Android and I-Phone’s are addicted! Just be warned ;)
Have fun downloading apps on your new phone when you get it!
Mariel @ Or so she says... says
OH my heavens, this is SOOOO great! Thanks for sharing! Pinned. :)
Jamie S. says
This is so fun having you pop all over my site! Thanks for the support!
Van Anderson says
Fantastic article and very useful information… Great job @Jamie
I have selected some apps to download on my iPhone. Ah, anyway i am also wanna share an emergency app with you guys. it’s OnGuardHelp, if you live in USA, this app will be a great personal safety asset for you.
This app comes with five emergency buttons and GPS tracking features. User can get immediate help when seconds matter.. With a single click app will connect you with first responders (police, Fire, EMS), family and friends. you can visit its website for detail information at http://www.onguardhelp.com
Kim says
What a wonderful list! I have a few of the ones listed. Hoping its okay to share this wonderful article.
Jefff says
Are you familiar with “Circle of 6”? It was designed for college aged students to combat dating violence and sexual assault. It is a good one to add to your list.
Great list by the way. Thank you for all of your work.
Jeff in Utah
Jamie S. says
Thanks for the suggestion. I haven’t seen it. I’ll have to add a few more of these to my list!
Michael says
Back country navigator and spot are great!! Here are a few web apps that can send alerts if you don’t make it back from an outdoor trip or any other trip I suppose: http://www.nwabasecamp.com/3-web-apps-that-will-send-help-in-an-emergency/
Andrea says
Just playing the devil advocate…but most of the app you mention require a data connection…I doubt that in case of a true disaster that cell phones are going to be of any use.
Networks will be jammed if not dead. Cellphones are going to be just bricks. Beside power probably will be out..so how are you charging it?
Anyway my 2cents…I hope I never have to find out!
Jamie S. says
The best way to prepare is to be a devils advocate. You want to look at each and every angle, so you don’t find out the hard way.
That’s true, some you need a data connection, but a lot are resources you can download onto your phone (first aid, emergency books, & other resources). I went ahead and bought a solar charger to be able to charge my phone with.
And I agree! I hope I never have to find out either!
Jenny says
I would like to add one app healthmemo which I am using it. It helps me to store all my personal health records electronically, will be very useful during emergencies.
RASHA says
I would like to recommend ASL Emergency Signs by Software Studios, which is an app that can provide emergency personnel, first responders, co-workers, friends and family much needed emergency video interpretation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who use American Sign Language. I am not Deaf, but I take ASL classes and D3af Studies. This is a GREAT app and is super useful for fire and medical emergencies and disaster emergencie when the first responders have a phone but do not know sign language and its faster than writing everything down.
I would also like to recommend PulsePoint Respond and PulsePoint AED by the PulsePoint Foundation. The first one alerts first responders trained in CPR when someone is having a CPR emergency in their area, allowing them to respond and assist if they can, which could be well before paraamedics get there and could save a life if you are nearby. It also alerts where nearby AED units are. The second app alerts emergency responders and users where nearby AED units are in their area. Users can also document AED units in their areas and report them to the app administrators to get them added to the lists/maps. Maps are provided with streets and addresses or you can view them by satellite image whowing actual birdseye view of streets, buildings, ladmarks, etc. If your AED units in your community are not listed you can get your community added to the program.
All three of these apps can be found for Android phones on Google Play. I do not know if they are available for Apple phones.
Hope you will add these to your list!
Thank you, Rasha