Your smart phone may be smarter than you think

4/29/2013 (Permalink)

*A beacon in the darkness*
Unless you find yourself starring alongside Vin Diesel as one of a group of marooned space travelers struggling for survival on a sun-scorched world that has become Pitch Black, your wireless device could be the most important tool you have in a disaster -- and not just because of that handy flashlight app you downloaded.

*Seek the sun*
Purchase additional batteries and car-charger adapters for wireless devices; make sure to keep the batteries fully charged. Keep phones, laptops, PDAs, batteries, chargers and other equipment in a dry, accessible location. It is a good idea to keep them in a waterproof bag. Consider purchasing a solar-powered charger.

*Know who to call*
Maintain a list of emergency phone numbers - police, fire and rescue agencies; power companies; insurance providers; family, friends and co-workers. Distribute wireless phone numbers to family members and friends and forward your home phone to your wireless number if you will be away from your home or have to evacuate.

*Try texting*
Send brief text messages rather than voice calls - often text messages get through when wireless networks are overwhelmed during a crisis. Finally, limit non-emergency calls to conserve battery power and free-up wireless networks for vital communications.

Identify a contact who lives out-of-state to notify that you are safe. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Be sure every member of your family knows vital land-line phone numbers as well as cell lines.

Consider adding coins or a prepaid phone card to your emergency kit. If your cell phone has an
"ICE" (In Case of Emergency) contact function, program your contact today. If you are in an
accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of
someone you know. Make sure to inform your ICE contact that you have selected
them as an emergency contact.

During a crisis or emergency, timely information is needed in order to make smart decisions.
Be Informed ( http://www.ready.gov/be-informed ) about many types of emergencies and
disasters that may occur.

And should you find yourself facing a disaster such as a water damage or fire, SERVPRO of Virginia Beach is here and ready to help make it Like it Never Even Happened. Just call us directly at 757-431-1400 - you may even want to program it into your smart phone!

757-431-1400
It's always best to call us directly