Essential Apps & Resources for Surviving a Hurricane

Hurricane Florence is expected to bring a life-threatening storm surge and catastrophic inland flooding. The storm’s speed has been reduced to a slower, but potentially more dangerous pace, “and with enormous and lumbering intensity it will come to rest against the shore."

The deceleration to a slow-moving hurricane can produce particularly perilous conditions because once it makes landfall, it will, “dump its moisture in just a handful of states. Parts of the Carolinas and the mid-Atlantic could see between 15 and 25 inches of rain by the end of the weekend. Some areas could see 35 inches. This rain could fall far inland from the coast, flooding rivers and streams and augmenting the more ‘traditional’ dangers of hurricanes: storm surge and high winds.”

For those of you in the affected regions or who have family or friends in the area, this article provides a list of recommended apps and links to helpful resources.

Recommended Apps

Zello

Now trending on the App Store and on Google Play, Zello is a walkie-talkie app used for communicating in disaster zones. It doesn’t use radio waves, but works on network or WiFi connections, including 2G connections. Users can post photos or voice messages to channels used by rescuers or create their own channels with which to communicate with family and friends.

Downloads: iOS | Android

NEWIS

This is the Extreme Weather Information Sheet (NEWIS) app from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NEWIS is designed to be a "one stop" reference with links to national, state, and local websites and phone numbers that coastal residents can use before, during, and after weather emergencies.

Downloads: iOS

FEMA

The FEMA app allows users to receive emergency alerts and information so that they know what to do before, during and after disasters. It's a simple and easy-to-use app that provides safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips, disaster resources and real-time and reliable alerts from the U.S. National Weather Service.

Downloads: iOS | Android

Hurricane: American Red Cross

One of the top hurricane tracking apps according to CNN, FastCompany, Fox News, ABC News and MediaBistro.

Downloads: iOS | Android

Hurricane Tracker

Hurricane Tracker is an app that was launched in 2009, users can receive push alerts (by region) when a new storm forms or threatens landfall. There are over 65 maps and images, written discussion and analysis, real time National Hurricane Center Updates, storm video updates and much more.

Downloads: iOS | Android

Life360 GPS Locator & Tracker

If you are evacuating, this app can let family and friends know where you are. Life360 will track your movements and automatically send texts to those you chose to share that information with.

Downloads: iOS | Android

ICE Medical

This app enables you to put your emergency medical contact information on your phone.

Downloads: iOS | Android

Waze

Waze is the world's largest community-based traffic and navigation app. Other drivers in your area share real-time traffic and road info through Waze.

Downloads: iOS | Android

GasBuddy

GasBuddy helps you save time and money by advising exactly where and when to buy gas.

Downloads: iOS | Android

Recommended Resources

• How to use the internet during a storm when your internet is down
• Travel advice from Expedia
• Check with the Federal Aviation Administration for information on flight delays
• Utilize Crisis Response to quickly reassure friends and family by marking yourself safe.  You can connect directly with other people nearby to give or find help with resources like food, supplies, or shelter. You can also support those affected by crises by fundraising or donating and stay updated with relevant information about a crisis from a variety of sources.
• Nextdoor is a way to stay informed about what’s going on in your neighborhood.
• Five Hurricane survival gadgets
• 10 Must-Have Gadgets to Protect You Against Natural Disasters
• How to Protect Your Network From a Natural Disaster

Current advisories from the National Hurricane Center can be found at this link. Following hashtag #Florence on Twitter will avail you to a stream of news updates on Florence.