Emergencies are unpredictable, often striking when least expected and turning ordinary life upside down in an instant. From natural disasters like tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and wildfires to unexpected personal crises such as medical emergencies or power outages, every family benefits from being prepared.
Technology can provide invaluable tools to ensure you are ready for whatever comes their way. Today’s digital applications go far beyond simple weather updates; they enable real-time communication, store vital information, and connect people to resources faster than ever before.
Here are ways and tools you can harness the power of digital applications to be better prepared in any emergency:
Creating an Emergency Plan with Digital Tools
Before an emergency strikes, every individual and family should have a plan in place. Ready.gov offers a fillable form to help you create a personalized emergency management plan that covers communication strategies, evacuation routes, shelter plans and any special needs you may need such as pets or medical equipment. FEMA’s Family Safety Guide includes the ready.gov planning form as well as tips for building emergency kits, and financial preparedness advice.
You should print the plan out and make sure everyone in your home has a copy. You can also use digital applications to make the planning process more dynamic, accessible, and collaborative. We recommend testing out the following digital tools:
- Shared note and document apps: Applications like Google Keep, Evernote, or Microsoft OneNote allow you to create and share your emergency plan, contacts, evacuation routes, and checklists with others. Because these notes are stored in the cloud, everyone with access can view the most up-to-date information from any internet-connected device.
- Calendar and scheduling apps: Using calendar apps from Google, Microsoft, or Apple, you can schedule emergency drills and set reminders to update supplies or review plans together. Shared calendars ensure that everyone is on the same page.
- Secure storage for vital documents: Digital vaults such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, can store copies of IDs, insurance papers, medication lists, and other essential documents. In an evacuation, having digital access to these records can be invaluable.
- Password managers can store passwords to your financial data as well as other online information that may be helpful in an emergency.
Staying Informed with Emergency Alert Apps
Even with a plan in place, keeping informed of emergencies and locating help after the emergency has passed should be an essential component of your plan. Staying ahead of rapidly changing conditions lets families respond quickly and avoid danger. Many digital applications provide real-time alerts, guidance, and news tailored to your location.
- National and local alert systems: Throughout the US, apps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Red Cross, provide helpful real time information. For Missourians, the Missouri State Emergency Management website, their social media pages (Facebook and X), and local county emergency management social media feeds are great places to consult for information. These apps and sites keep you up to date on official warnings for severe weather, natural disasters, and safety threats. The apps also allow you to customize alerts for areas where you or family members live or travel.
- Weather apps: The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and NOAA Weather apps, and their websites give real-time updates, radar maps, and forecasts to help families anticipate storms and plan accordingly. Your local radio or TV stations may also have weather apps with notification services
- Social media and community networks: Community groups on platforms like Facebook, Nextdoor, and X often share local updates faster than official sources, especially during evolving events. Many law enforcement agencies and emergency services post regular updates on their social media accounts. When using these community platforms be sure to verify reports with official sources.
Communication in Times of Crisis
When emergencies strike, communication can be challenging; networks may be overloaded, or traditional phone lines disabled. Digital applications may provide resilient methods for staying connected. Some examples include:
- Messaging apps: WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram use data networks, allowing families to communicate if cell towers are down but Wi-Fi is available. Group chats can quickly update everyone on safety status and plans.
- Location Sharing Apps: Life360, Find My on Apple Devices, and Google Maps location sharing let family members monitor each other’s whereabouts in real time, crucial during evacuation or search situations.
Organizing Supplies and Resources
Being prepared means having the right supplies available. Digital applications help families track inventory, set reminders for replacements, and create shopping lists. Try:
- Inventory and checklist apps: Apps like PackPoint and simple note apps help track what’s in your emergency kit, such as flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, medicines and can prompt you to replace expired items.
- Shopping list apps: Grocery apps like AnyList or OurGroceries can maintain lists of needed supplies and share them with all family members. This is helpful for restocking before a predicted event.
Medical Preparedness with Health Apps
Emergencies often include medical challenges. Digital health apps make vital information accessible, coordinate care, and help family members manage medications. You may want to explore:
- Medical ID apps: The built-in Medical ID feature on smartphones (iOS Health, Android Emergency Information) lets you list allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts. First responders can access this information even if your phone is locked.
- Medication tracking apps: MyTherapy, Medisafe, or CareZone remind users to take medications and help families monitor treatment regimens. If your Primary Care Physician or hospital uses a healthcare portal, you can likely track medications and healthcare needs with these apps as well.
Practicing Drills and Building Knowledge
Knowledge is just as important as supplies. Digital applications offer interactive guides, video tutorials, and simulations to help families practice emergency procedures. Some educational materials to consider:
- Educational apps: The Red Cross Emergency app and Ready.gov’s resources include step-by-step guides for fire, earthquake, and flood preparedness, plus quizzes and interactive checklists.
- Video and simulation platforms: YouTube and other video platforms offer demonstrations of CPR, first aid, and evacuation techniques. Watching or practicing these skills together can make a world of difference when minutes count.
Final Thoughts: Technology as a Lifeline
Emergencies will always carry uncertainty, but digital applications offer families tools to turn confusion into clarity, isolation into connectivity, and fear into readiness. By integrating these apps into your daily routine, storing emergency plans in the cloud, setting up notification alerts, tracking supplies, coordinating communication, and practicing drills, your family can face any challenge with confidence.
Start building your plan online and on paper: choose one or two apps from each category and make preparedness a family project. Review resources together, test your plans, and ensure everyone knows how to access critical information. Technology can’t prevent emergencies, but it can empower families to prepare, respond, and recover with resilience.
For further reading and resources, consider exploring: