How To Communicate During A Hurricane 11 Steps With Pictures

The Red Cross’ Hurricane App. Weather Underground, a storm tracking app. Waze, a traffic and road closure app. The FEMA emergency preparedness app.

To make communication as quick and easy as possible, adjust your phone’s speed dial settings so each number connects to an important contact. If possible, laminate your written list so it doesn’t get destroyed by rain or floodwater.

To make sure everyone has updated information, check in with your central contact regularly. If you don’t know anybody outside the danger zone, set up a group chat via text message, instant messenger, or social media so you can contact lots of people at once.

Look for inexpensive emergency phones at used electronics stores. By law, all cell phones must be able to make 911 calls whether you pay for a wireless subscription or not. Consider buying a prepaid or pay-as-you-go SIM card so you can call family and friends during emergencies without paying a monthly service bill.

Even if your area offers a text-based 911 service, do not rely on it during the storm.