WARNING: The materials provided are for illustration and/or informational purposes only. Any use of the information contained in this article shall be solely at the reader’s risk.

In 2017, natural disasters set many records around the globe. With monstrous wildfires, killer earthquakes, and super-strength hurricanes and floods, 2017 will also be remembered as one of the deadliest and most expensive years in recent history.

But the widespread devastation also highlighted the need for more effective and timely communications — before, during, and after a disaster. This includes not only exploring more efficient ways of identifying victims and allocating relief efforts, but also providing the average person with access to lifesaving resources and communications.

Subscribe Today and Save!

Get the Mag

When things go sideways, obtaining accurate and timely information, or getting word from family and friends, can be difficult, if not impossible. But staying connected is a crucial part of surviving a natural or manmade crisis. Enter mobile applications.

In this article, we review 10 mobile applications that could potentially help you prepare for, and survive, a crisis or other public emergency.

Smart Devices and Mobile Apps

Smart devices have become an essential tool in everyday life. Mobile technology, social media, and apps have also started to play an increasing role in emergency/rescue efforts as tools for getting information to and from people in affected areas. Normally, these devices provide us with digital connectivity and round-the-clock access to a variety of information sources from around the globe. When a disaster strikes, however, our access to reliable communications and up-to-date information are usually among the first things to take a hit. Ironically, it’s usually during those difficult moments that our need to stay connected is even greater — from contacting others to sending out an urgent call for rescue.

The apps we considered for inclusion in this review all provide access to resources. They’re not necessarily “disaster” apps, but rather apps that could be useful before, during, and after a real-world crisis. For practical reasons we had to limit the review to 10 apps, but there were certainly many more that we could’ve included.

Your phone can do much more than just call people when service may be jammed. Some of these apps we reviewed here will...

What to Look For

In the 10 apps we reviewed, we sought to provide a practical mix. Each person’s situation is, of course, different, and the apps you choose should reflect your specific needs and circumstances. The following are some factors you may want to consider:

Ease of Use and Reliability: We looked for apps that were easy to download, set up, and use. We also prefer a clean layout, with easy-to-identify links, buttons, and fonts that are big enough for the average person to see clearly. If the app falls short in any of these areas, you’ll likely get frustrated, no matter how good the actual content may be. For many people, reliability is a must, especially during a crisis. Overall, the best apps are useful, fast, convenient, easy to use, consistent, and reliable.

Navigation and Design: Think of this as the layout of the various elements and functions and how easy and intuitive it is to navigate throughout the app. Important information should be conveniently placed. The user should notice that everything flows well. Getting around should be intuitive and easy, and you should be able to do so quickly, too. Functions that are slow and clumsy won’t get used; it’s that simple.

Cost: Many apps are free, and that’s great. But be careful; some of those “free” apps come at the cost of having to endure some very annoying ads. On the other hand, some folks don’t mind paying a few bucks for a great app to avoid seeing a bunch of ads. All the apps on our list are free, although some offer upgrades for a fee, or an option to pay to avoid seeing ads.

No Cell Service Needed: Smart devices have become the multitool of our age. There are literally hundreds of functions that can be performed on these devices. But while many functions don’t require connectivity, the majority require cell service or a Wi-Fi connection.

Many of the apps we reviewed come with pre-loaded content available to the user even without connectivity. This is important if you’ll be relying on that content in the aftermath of a disaster when cell service and/or internet service may be down.

What We Found

With these tips in mind, we took a look at 10 popular apps and put them to the test. While we couldn’t anticipate the real-world conditions that the apps might be subjected to, we looked at each through the lens of how they could be used before, during, and in the aftermath of a crisis. We also evaluated each for daily use and how they could be used in the absence of cell or Internet service. Here’s how they stacked up.

FEMA Mobile App

Seller/Developer
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Size
11 MB

Compatibility
iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; Android 4.0.3 and up

Languages
English

Price
Free

Notes
The FEMA Mobile App packs lots of resources and information into an easy-to-use and navigate package that can receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations. It also features emergency information and tips and ideas on what to do before, during, and after the crisis. The main menu is separated into four sections: Alerts, Prepare, Disaster Resources, and Share Disaster Photos.

Pros:

• Resources for before and after a disaster/crisis
• Relatively easy to use and navigate
• The “Prepare” and “Disaster Resources” sections work without connectivity.
• You can receive weather alerts for up to five locations.
• Family sharing allows up to six family members to use the app.
• Find Recovery Centers in your area to connect with FEMA representatives.
• Call 911 directly from the app
• Toggle between English and Spanish
• Available for Apple and Android mobile devices

Cons:

• While it does provide some summary level information, it shouldn’t be relied upon as your primary source of preparedness material.
• The majority of features require connectivity.

First Aid: American Red Cross

Seller/Developer
American Red Cross

Size
63.3 MB for iOS/45 MB for Android

Compatibility
iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; Android 4.0.3 and up

Languages
English & Spanish

Price
Free

Notes
The American Red Cross First Aid app features preloaded content and instant advice for everyday emergencies and basic first-aid tips and information. App also features instructive videos, step-by-step first aid tips/information, and interactive quizzes to test your knowledge. (Tip: The Red Cross also has a Pet First Aid app featuring first aid tips and information, preventive care, and a location finder for vet hospitals and pet-friendly hotels.)

Pros:

• Easy-to-use, simple step-by-step instructions for many basic first-aid situations
• 9-1-1 feature allows you to call for EMS directly from the app.
• Safety tips, videos, and animations tackle a variety of scenarios.
• Preloaded content ensures access to safety information with or without reception or internet connection.
• Content is also available in Spanish by using a simple toggle switch.
• App is ad-free and spam free.
• Available for Apple and Android mobile devices

Cons:

• Light gray text can be difficult to read.
• Excessive number of notifications can distract users.

Emergency Alerts: American Red Cross

Seller/Developer
American Red Cross

Size
104.8 MB for iOS/45 MB for Android

Compatibility
iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; and Android 4.4 and up

Languages
English & Spanish

Price
Free

Notes
This all-inclusive app from the American Red Cross will help you monitor more than 35 different severe weather and emergency conditions in your area so that you can be aware of approaching hazards. The app provides customizable real-time alerts to help you prepare for oncoming threats. App also features preloaded emergency content, providing instant access to help you even without connectivity.

Pros:

• Monitor for earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, flood, winter storms, extreme heat, wildfires, and severe weather
• Connect with loved ones to share alerts
• Customizable alerts and notifications
• Preloaded content ensures access to safety information with or without reception or internet connection.
• Map showing locations of Red Cross shelters
• Step-by-step directions and guidance on making a family emergency plan
• Toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light, and audible alarm
• Content is also available in Spanish by using a simple toggle switch.
• Available for Apple and Android mobile devices
• Now supports Apple Watch OS 4.0 and above, and Android Wearables 2.6 and above

Cons:

• Text can sometimes be difficult to read.
• Excessive number of notifications can distract users.
• You may receive notifications soliciting blood donations.

Mayday Safety

Seller/Developer
Ryan Cleckner

Size
50.6 MB for iOS/7.0 MB for Android

Compatibility
iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; Android 5.1 and up

Languages
English

Price
Free, available upgrade packages

Notes
With Mayday Safety, you can send and receive emergency notifications. With a cell phone signal or Internet connection, the Mayday safety app allows users to send and receive emergency alerts to and from contacts on a worldwide basis. You can also share your precise location and other contact information. The Mayday Safety app alerts convey who needs help and where they are.

Pros:

• Easy to use under stress — three presses of the Mayday button sends an emergency alert to Mayday Safety app users nearby
• Simple and effective communications during emergency situations
• Free for individuals, can be upgraded to include family members and organizations anywhere around the world
• Safety checks with loved ones included in the family account upgrade
• Possible upgrades, including Mayday Pro Dashboard, provides services on an organizational level and allows tracking, safety checks, notifications, locations, and a full view of emergency details to and from the entire organization or specific individuals on the interactive map dashboard.
• Available for Apple and Android mobile devices

Cons:

• Full functionality of the app requires upgraded account/subscription; packages start at $9.95 per month.
• Continued use can dramatically decrease battery life

Medical ID

Seller/Developer
Medical ID App

Size
5.7 MB for Android/5.4 MB for iOS

Compatibility
Android 5 and up. iOS 8.0 or later

Languages
English

Price
Free, available upgrade

Notes
Use Medical ID app to store your important medical/health information. It’s similar to a physical medical ID bracelet, but with much more information. During an emergency medical situation, the Medical ID app provides first responders, medical staff, and doctors with instant access to your medical information, like allergies and medical conditions that may affect your treatment.

Pros:

• Emergency call screen provides access to Medical ID information without unlocking the device.
• Provides current location including address and GPS coordinates
• Nearby hospital locator
• Access to medical information without a cell signal or internet
• Elegant design
• Speaks for you, when you can’t speak for yourself
• Call 911 directly from the app
• Very easy to use, navigate, organize, and customize
• Available for Android mobile devices (iPhones running iOS 8 or later already have Medical ID within the Health App).

Cons:

• Full functionality of the app requires one-time upgrade at a cost of $5.99.

Viber

Seller/Developer
Viber Media SARL

Size
212.7 MB for iOS/35.15 MB for Android

Compatibility
iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; and Android 2.3 or higher

Languages
English, and about 39 other languages

Price
Free

Notes
Viber is a free secure call, text, and video messaging app that can help you stay connected to contacts around the globe. Any person on your contact list who also has the app can be reached quickly and efficiently. It’s easy to set up and use, connections are reliable, and you even get a confirmation that your message was delivered. This is an app that people can use on a daily basis, especially to communicate with contacts in other countries without incurring international fees.

Pros:

• Group chats, audio and video calls, including international
• Instant voice and video messages
• End-to-end encryption
• According to Viber, nothing you share is ever stored on their servers once the message is delivered, and none of that private information will
  never be sold to third parties or advertisers.
• Self-destruct timer automatically deletes messages from the recipient’s phone once it’s read.
• Available for Apple and Android mobile devices

Cons:

• Requires an Internet connection; Wi-Fi is preferred
• In-App purchases can get expensive

Waze

Seller/Developer
Waze, Inc.

Size
151.2 MB for iOS /69.38 MB for Android

Compatibility
iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; and Android 2.2 or higher

Languages
English, and approximately 41 other languages

Price
Free

Notes
Mobile app to help you plan your driving route based on real-time, crowd-sourced traffic information, detailing road congestion, accidents, construction, police activity, etc. Waze also provides information on alternative routes to help you avoid problem spots along your route and help you arrive at your destination faster. The app also allows you to see if your friends are also on the road and to see their location.

This is an app that people use on a daily basis to help manage their commute, but it can also be a very valuable tool during an evacuation or some other emergency situation that requires a quick departure and road travel to reach safety.

Pros:

• User-friendly, easy to use, and information that’s constantly being updated
• Real-time navigation and traffic data that allows you to make fast decisions to arrive at your destination faster.
• Pop-up alerts on police activity, accidents, road hazards, and traffic jams
• Gas price reports along your route
• Waze claims more than 50-million users
• Available for Apple and Android mobile devices

Cons:

• The app may continue accessing your location even when it isn’t open, which may substantially decrease battery life.
• User interface can be cumbersome to navigate.
• Pop-up ads for local businesses may occasionally appear.

GasBuddy

Seller/Developer
GasBuddy Organization, Inc.

Size
190.7 MB for iOS/46.76 MB for Android

Compatibility
iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; Android 4.4 and up

Languages
English

Price
Free

Notes
The GasBuddy App allows you to locate gas stations near you with the lowest price using gas price information provided by a community of 70-million users. While the app offers a number of other features, the ability to find gas stations before, during, and after a crisis can be a major advantage for motorists.

Pros:

• Resources for before and after a disaster/crisis helping you find open gas stations, at home and while on the road
• Filter search results by price, location, brand, and convenience store details
• Provides price hike alerts
• Works in USA, Canada, and Australia
• Available for Apple and Android mobile devices

Cons:

• The app may continue accessing your location even when it isn’t open, which may substantially decrease battery life and continue using data.
• You should expect to see ads.

The Weather Channel

Seller/Developer
The Weather Channel

Size
141.8 MB for iOS/29.9 MB for Android

Compatibility
iOS 11.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; Android 4.4 and up

Languages
English, and over 30 other languages

Price
Free

Notes
Plan ahead with accurate, reliable weather forecasts for up to two weeks in advance no matter where you are. Includes fast-loading interactive radar maps and real-time alerts. Easy-to-find weather information using weather graphs, instant insights, and interactive tools to stay informed of all weather conditions.

Pros:

• Live alerts and safety advice for extreme weather events, including floods and hurricanes
• Air quality reports for the U.S., UK, Spain, France, Germany, Mexico, China, and India
• Sleek, well-designed interface with new home screen and easy-to-use navigation bar
• Hourly forecasts, including rain and snow alerts
• Lightning alerts for your GPS location to advise you where lightning is striking nearby
• Weather news, videos, and other informational content
• Fast access to detailed weather information and individual conditions to see how they’ll change over the next hours or days
• Available for Apple and Android mobile devices

Cons:

• The app may continue accessing your location even when it isn’t open, which may substantially decrease battery life and continue using data.
• Expect to see ads unless you pay a $3.99 single payment in-app purchase to remove the ads.

Zello Walkie Talkie

Seller/Developer
Zello, Inc.

Size
64.2 MB for iOS/18.68 MB for Android

Compatibility
iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; Android 4.4 and up

Languages
English, and over 18 other languages

Price
Free, with premium channel upgrade for $0.99

Notes
The Zello app turns your smart phone into a walkie-talkie with a push-to-talk radio app. Talk to your contacts privately or join public channels. The app is free and works anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection.

Pros:

• Live voice over any network or Wi-Fi connection (2G, 3G, or 4G mobile data)
• Send photos, text, or your location to your contacts
• Replay any messages you may have received, even if your phone was turned off
• Shows availability of your contacts and text status
• No ads
• Available for Apple and Android mobile devices

Cons:

• The app may access your location even when it isn’t open, and can significantly decrease battery life.
• Requires an Internet connection or cell service

Wrap Up

Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, and getting accurate, up-to-date information or communicating with others in the middle of a crisis or public emergency can be a huge challenge. But with today’s mobile technology and the right apps, you can provide yourself with a major advantage. Whether you live in the mountains or along the coast, there are apps that can not only provide timely and accurate emergency information, but can help you send out a distress signal, transmit your location in an emergency, or contact friends and family members.

Written by Richard Duarte