Your phone can be a vital resource for getting the information you need and helping you stay in touch with people if the power goes out.
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Here are some helpful apps that work on phones or tablets, plus some tips to help save your battery:
- Red Cross Hurricane App: free; sends alerts from NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration); includes a flashlight, alarm and strobe light; for Apple and Android devices. The Red Cross also offers first aid apps for people and pets.
- Zello: free; push-to-talk app, works like a walkie-talkie; needs Wi-Fi or data to operate; for Apple, Android, Windows and Blackberry devices and PCs.
- AccuWeather: free; gives forecasts, radar and video; for Apple and Android devices.
- NOAA Radar US: free; provides real-time radar images; gives National Weather Service alerts.
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Of course, none of these apps are useful if your phone is dead. Here are some ways to conserve your battery life:
- Close any apps you aren't using
- Put your phone in low power mode
- Adjust your screen brightness to a dimmer setting
- Use Wi-Fi when you can instead of data
- Turn off bluetooth if you're not using it
- Turn off location services if you're not using it