From Experimax
As summer comes to a close and the weather is starting to cool, we enter a new season of potential natural disasters. Potentially deadly and catastrophic natural disasters follow a pattern and are triggered by either pressure in the atmosphere, temperatures, or precipitation. Regardless of where you live, there is likely a natural weather occurrence that could impact you. We believe that hoping for the best but preparing for the worst is the best strategy for any natural disaster. Below, we have gathered tips on how you can use your iPhone device to stay safe and prepared in the most trying of situations.
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Create a backup of your data
Your phone is filled with useful information and valuable recordings of your memories, such as videos, photos, and much more. Make sure that you store your data online, to ensure that you have a backup available in case of a natural disaster impacting your area.
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Document valuables and important information
The Notes app is a great source for documenting your valuables. Create a list on your phone of what valuables may need to be recovered and the location where you store them. Photographs of your pets, family members, and friends along with their address and phone number could come in handy in the event that either they or you are displaced following a disaster. Notes regarding medications and contact information for doctor’s offices are also important to have on hand – make sure your Contacts are up to date.
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Connect through technology
Your home and your phone can be connected through smart technology from tools like Nest, Ring, Amazon Alexa, and others. Alarm systems, door locks, cooling and heating systems or even smoke detectors can often be managed through your iPhone device and can alert you of any changes that might be concerning should you have to evacuate your home.
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Power your resources
If you want to make sure that you are well prepared, then arm yourself with rechargeable battery packs. You can pick one of these up at your local Experimax store so you can charge your iPhone device or even a laptop no matter where you are and regardless of whether or not there has been a power outage.
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Shop for supplies and stock up
With all of the grocery shopping/delivery services available today, it is easy to order your groceries and stock up from the convenience of your iPhone device and without even leaving your home. Make sure you have all of your family’s favorite food items on hand in case the weather keeps you from being able to go anywhere for a few days.
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Go old school
Even though this may sound strange, make sure that you have a battery-powered radio and flashlight on hand in the event that the electricity is out for a prolonged period of time or in the event that cell towers go down. You will want to have access to updated information from local authorities. It also wouldn’t hurt to have an old school map on hand as well as a list of phone numbers for local resources such as the local hospital, family members or friends in case you’re not able to access this in your iPhone device.
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Remain calm at all times
One of the most important things you can do during a natural disaster is to stay calm. Text instead of calling during emergencies – you will help conserve your battery power this way; it is important to keep family and friends informed of your well-being to help them remain calm as well. If you need to drive, the Waze app will give you real-time information on the traffic conditions. Check this before hitting the road and only drive if local authorities have said it is safe to do so.
Have you ever been through a natural disaster? If so, you may have other tips to share with those in your area. Preparation is key but in some cases, you don’t really have a lot of time to prepare so it is important to remain calm and use your common sense to make sure you and your loved ones remain safe.
If you are having trouble backing up your iPhone device or installing some of these apps, stop by your local Experimax store any time and our techs will help you figure out the issue. While natural disasters can be scary, your devices shouldn’t be – you can count on your local Xperts.
Business hours are Monday – Sunday 10 AM – 8 PM. Experimax is located at 1865-106 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
