SMART PHONE-THE RIGHT TOOL FOR EMERGENT SITUATIONS

Between NOAA’s Hurricane forecast VT Digger’s-More People Heading Out that are Unprepared reports, and this weekend being the start of the summer season, it’s a good time to think about how you will respond to emergencies, including flooding, storms, accidents or getting lost on a hike.

Smart Phones are an excellent tool and now is the time to familiarize yourself with the many features that can make a big difference in an emergency.

Protect your phone and keep it charged. Use a waterproof case and have on hand both a portable and regular charger. If you have to leave home suddenly, have chargers and other items together in one spot so you can grab them as you head out the door.

Sign up for VT Alert: Cavendish is a participating town in the VT Alert System. In the event of a local, state or national emergency, you can receive a text, e-mail or even a call. Register by going to VTAlert.gov Nearly all states have similar systems, so if you are traveling for vacation, be sure and register. Here are the alert systems for nearby states, NH ; Maine/; NY ; MA

Set up & turn on Emergency SOS: With Emergency SOS, you can quickly and easily call for help and alert your emergency contacts. For iPhones For Androids .

Conserve Usage: As soon as you are aware of an approaching storm or other emergent event, charge your phone and all electronic devices you rely on.  Try not to let your phone battery dip below half a charge. Remember texts can often get through even when calls can’t and use less battery than a call. Keep phone use to a minimum. You can extend the phones energy by dimming the screen, not using live Wallpapers or Blue tooth. Turning it off and only using when necessary during an emergency can extend its use.

Other things to do:

-       ICE (in case of emergency) your phone

-       Back up to the Cloud

-       Create a private group list of emergency contacts. One text can let them know you are fine or you need help

-       Bookmark useful sites and apps such as the NOAA forecast

-       Use your health care app (it’s the read heart). Include medications, blood type, allergies, diagnosis, medical providers etc.

-       Include images of important documents

-       Make screenshots of survival guide, tips and fire aid instructions for access, even if data and Wi-Fi are down

-       If you aren’t regularly using them, check out the flashlight, compass (can help to locate people); and radio

Please note that we are working with the Cavendish Library to set up a workshop on this topic. If you are interested in attending or have a recommendation for a guest speaker, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com