How to prepare your devices for natural disasters and emergencies

News has been reporting more natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, wildfires and earthquakes.

No matter what, you need to stay connected. 

That means, your phone should be able to contact anyone for help.

Fortunately, most phones will let you do that; you just need to prepare.

READ: Philippines improves disaster management with AI

This article will discuss how you can prepare your gadgets for emergencies.

Later, it will help you make your own emergency preparedness kit.

How to prepare your gadgets for natural disasters

Australian telecommunications provider Telstra recommends preparing an alternative portable charger or “power bank.” 

Natural disasters usually knock out the power, but the power bank allows you to charge it and request emergency help.

You should also have a backup of your most important data, such as contact information and cherished photos. 

You can upload them on a USB flash drive or external hard drive. Alternatively, you can use your phone’s default cloud storage service or Google.

Non-profit organization Consumer Reports says you should bring a car charger for another way to recharge batteries. 

If you have a poor signal, use Wi-Fi Calling to call and text over a wireless internet connection instead.

Set it up on Android with these steps:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot icon and then open Settings.
3. Next, tap Calls.
4. Select Wi-Fi Calling.

Use these steps instead if you’re an iPhone user:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Then, select Cellular. If your iPhone has Dual SIM, choose a line.
3. Tap Wi-Fi Calling and then toggle it on.
4. Enter your address for emergency services.

You may also use the Satellite SOS option if you have an iPhone 14 or later models.

If you can’t see Satellite SOS and Wi-Fi Calling, they might not be available with your telecom provider.

Building a disaster preparedness kit

You need more than just your phone during natural disasters.

Prepare your emergency preparedness kit with the following supplies, according to the American Red Cross:

1. Water (one gallon per person)
2. Food (non-perishable, easy-to-prepare, 3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
3. Flashlight 
4. Battery-powered radio 
5. Extra batteries 
6. First aid kit
7. Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
8. Multi-purpose tool
9. Sanitation and personal hygiene items
10. Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
11. Family and emergency contact information
12. Extra cash
13. Emergency blanket
14. Map(s) of the area

You may also contact the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Hotlines (02) 8911-5061 to 65 local 100.