As Tropical Storm Elsa churns in the Atlantic, we’d like to offer you some tips on how to keep your tech dry and your families safe and connected ahead of the storm.
- Keep devices dry: Store phones, tablets, batteries, chargers and other equipment in a dry, accessible location. Plastic zipper storage bags will shield devices, and there are weatherproof phones, phone cases and other protective accessories available.
- Keep devices fully charged: Plan ahead by keeping phone and tablet batteries fully charged in case local power is lost.
- Review checklists: Review the hurricane preparedness checklist, power outage checklist and other resources from the American Red Cross.
- Get some backup: Keep spare batteries charged up to provide backup power. And have car chargers on hand in case you need to evacuate.
- Create a list: Maintain a list of emergency numbers–police and fire departments; power and insurance companies; family, friends and co-workers; etc.–and program them into your wireless devices before an emergency arises.
- Be prepared for loss: Use your tablet to photograph and catalogue your valuables and other household belongings for possible insurance claims
- Download useful apps: Hundreds of free weather, news, and safety-related apps and services are available through your device’s app store. These include several apps from the American Red Cross for iOS and Android, mobile weather reports from the National Weather Service, and many, many more.
- COVID-19 considerations: In the event of an evacuation, bookmark your local emergency resources on your phone so you can research any special restrictions, limitations or instructions if you need emergency shelter, medical care or other support that may be impacted by COVID-19.
