During a crisis, your phone can keep you connected to your loved ones and people who can help. But don’t wait for an emergency to prepare your device. Here are a few things you need to do to be ready.
Add your medical information
Putting important health information in your phone allows first responders to quickly access your blood type, medications, allergies, and other conditions from your device’s Lock screen, without a passcode.
1. Open the Health app, then tap your initials or profile picture in the top right corner.
2. Tap Medical ID > Edit.
3. Turn on Show When Locked to show your medical details on the Lock Screen. You can also turn on Share During Emergency Call to automatically send them to the authorities when you make a 911 call.
4. Enter your information and any emergency contacts, then tap Done.
GALAXY
1. Open the Contacts app, and tap on your name at the top.
2. Tap Medical info in the Emergency section, and enter your details. Then tap Save.
3. Tap Emergency contacts to add people you want to notify in case of an emergency. Tap Save when you are finished.
OTHER ANDROID
1. Open Settings on your phone, then tap About phone > Emergency information.
2. Enter your medical information in the sections and tap Done.
3. Tap Emergency contacts to choose someone to call in an emergency.
Get to know your Emergency settings
When you’re in trouble, your phone can notify your emergency contacts or first responders. It sends them your current location and updates them as you move.
1. Press and hold the side button and one of the Volume buttons. If you have an older model iPhone, rapidly press the side button five times.
2. When Emergency SOS appears, drag the slider to call the local emergency number and start sharing your location.
If you accidentally press the Emergency SOS buttons for too long, a countdown will begin and your phone will sound an alarm. It calls the emergency line automatically when the countdown ends.
Turn on location sharing
Even during nonemergencies, you may find yourself in a sticky situation. Sharing your location with friends and family will let them know you’re safe.
1. Open the Settings app, and tap Privacy > Location Services.
2. Turn on Location Services, then scroll down and tap Share My Location to turn on the Find My feature, which sends the location of your device to the people you choose.
Invest in backup power
In emergency situations, conserving your phone’s battery can be critical. One way to do so is low-power mode. You can enable this feature in your battery settings.
You might also consider buying portable chargers such as the Anker PowerCore 5000 or the mophie powerstation 10,000mAh. Don’t forget to keep them charged too.
