Storms With The Help Of Technology
1/30/2020 (Permalink)
It is important to be ready because a storm and disaster can strike at a moment’s notice! Technology helps keep us aware of danger with more time to prepare before it hits! It can also be a vital tool in preparing for emergencies or disasters, as well as during or after so that we can stay informed of the situation and in communication with others. From common technology you already use on a day-to-day basis to taking a few extra steps to prepare. Below are a few things that will help you be ready in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Store Information Online
There are many places to store important information securely online. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer a free way to store different types of files, from a Word document to images of important documents. Ready.gov suggests saving an electronic version of insurance policies, identification documents, medical records, and information on your pets, if necessary.
Follow the News
Stay informed by following agencies such as FEMA, local news channels, and local government on Twitter for the most up-to-date information in a disaster situation. It is also a good idea to have a emergency weather radio in case of loss of power. You can also alert first responders if a rescue is needed through Twitter.
Mark Yourself Safe
The American Red Cross offers a Safe & Well check-in site to list yourself as safe or find family and friends in situations where communication is difficult to establish. Facebook also has a feature called Safety Check that is activated after natural disasters or a crisis. You will receive a notification from Facebook if you’re located in the affected area at that time.
Charge Up
Keep a portable charger in your car and home in case of an emergency. You may need to recharge this from time to time. It is also a good idea to purchase solar-powered chargers as well.
Get in Touch
Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in your phone and e-mail for communication with family, friends, business contacts, and others whom you may need to get in contact with before, during, or after a disaster. SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties also offers an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for free at ready.SERVPRO.com to help prepare you, your property, or your business for an emergency. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your property or business, you will know what to do and what to expect in advance which is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your property or business. Put help in the palm of your hand with the Ready Plan App. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties today for more information on developing an ERP for your property!