Emergency preparedness: New tech and other tips for staying safe during catastrophic weather events
Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires: these days it seems we’re being slammed with one powerful weather event after another. If we’re reminded of anything from these monster storms and other natural hazards, it’s how important it is to stay prepared for weather-related emergencies. For SuperAgers, this is also crucial as more older adults opt to age in place.
Fortunately, new Technology is making it easier to stay safe, connected and informed. From smart home monitoring to solar back-up power systems to flood sensors, we’ve got the lowdown. And to help you leverage these innovations to protect yourself and your loved ones, we’ve curated a selection of highly ranked products on Amazon.com.
Emergency-ready technology
Weather alert apps: In the U.S., free apps like NOAA Weather Radar, AccuWeather, and FEMA provide real-time updates on local weather conditions, evacuation routes and shelters. Many apps offer voice notifications, helpful for people with visual impairments. As part of your preparation, have an evacuation route planned and know where local shelters are located. FEMA and Red Cross apps can help locate nearby safe places.
In Canada, residents can receive weather alerts in real time with WeatherCAN. For vital information on creating an evacuation plan, go to the Get Prepared resource site.
Remember, it’s key to download these apps to your smartphone and other devices before you need them, in case you’re unable to access WIFI during a storm or emergency. And keep in mind that you can still call 9-1-1, even if your cell phone service is disrupted.
Portable solar power stations: Extended power outages are woefully common during extreme weather. Portable solar power stations, such as those from EcoFlow and Jackery, provide reliable backup energy. Unlike gas-powered generators, these are quiet, eco-friendly and safer to use indoors. They can keep essential devices like medical equipment and communication tools powered.
Satellite phones and radios: Traditional communication lines often fail during emergencies. Satellite phones, like those from Garmin or Blue Cosmo, can help to keep you connected, and emergency radios like this one from the American Red Cross provide weather alerts and often come with hand-crank and solar-charging options. If you have an iPhone 14 or newer and have updated to the latest software— iOS 18—you can send and receive messages via satellite if you don’t have cellular service or WIFI. (Find out more here.) Apple does recommend, however, that messages via satellite shouldn’t be used in emergency situations, but to instead text emergency services using Emergency SOS via satellite.
Smart monitoring systems: Wearable devices like this Apple Watch which includes emergency features can also help people quickly reach out for assistance if they face a weather-related or health emergency. (It also tracks vital metrics like heart rate and blood oxygen levels.) Smart systems like Ring can monitor your home for smoke, carbon monoxide and other dangers. Many offer remote access via smartphone apps, allowing you to check your home’s status even if you’re evacuated. These systems can alert emergency contacts automatically, a helpful feature for older adults living alone.
Flood and fire sensors: Flood sensors from companies like Honeywell or Moen can detect water leaks and rising water levels in your home, sending immediate alerts to your phone. These sensors are important for homes in flood-prone areas, as they provide early warnings that give you time to act before the situation worsens.
As we know all too well, fire can spread rapidly during natural disasters like wildfires. Make sure your home is equipped with basic fire-safety equipment such as working smoke detectors, as well as fire extinguishers and fire-resistant blankets. Smart smoke alarms can send alerts through your phone.
Other things you can do
As mentioned above, power outages are all too common during severe weather. Beyond Investing in a backup power source such as solar stations or traditional generators (if safe to use), other basic proactive steps include keeping batteries fully charged for your Smart Phone and other devices while you still have power, as well as stockpiling enough spare batteries for flashlights and medical devices to last for a prolonged outage. In extreme temperatures, battery-operated fans, wearable cooling devices and heated blankets with portable power can help maintain a safe body temperature.
To avoid running out of fresh water if your area’s water systems are down, you may want to consider investing in this small but mighty tech tool. The relatively inexpensive (USD $19.95) LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a portable and easy-to-use device that removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and parasites. It filters up to 1,000 gallons of contaminated water.
What to pack for an emergency
Every home should have an emergency kit – or in the event of an evacuation a “go-bag” – with essentials like bottled water, non-perishable food for your family and pets, prescription and over-the-counter medications, first-aid supplies, mobility aids, a flashlight and a multipurpose tool such as a Swiss Army Knife.
Other items to consider including in your go-bag (or box) are extra cash, sleeping bags or blankets and solar cell phone chargers. (For more important information on this, go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.)
“People also should include digital copies of all their important documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies and passports,” Jonathan Sury, senior staff associate at the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, told CNN. “Preparation is the difference between being panicked and being calm, collected and cool.”
Something else to have on hand in the event of an evacuation? A good old-fashioned paper roadmap (if you can find one). Another option is Google Maps’ offline feature, which allows you to download a map of your area to your phone if you don’t have access to the internet or cell phone service.
The bottom line
Like so much in life, staying safe during catastrophic weather events requires planning and preparation – but the trade-off for enhanced protection and peace of mind is immense. Fortunately, the latest tech can make it easier than ever to help you protect your family and your property. Stay safe everyone!
More on home safety tips:
Hidden home hazards: Indoor air pollution is more dangerous than you think
Can your home be a “control center” for independent living?
Home safe home: How to prevent falls and other hazards
AI in the kitchen: Another way tech could help with aging in place
Forget down-sizing: here comes “fun-sizing”
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