3 Phone Tips That Could Save Your Life

When disaster strikes, staying connected can be a matter of life and death. But what happens if your cell phone loses service in the middle of a natural disaster like a hurricane or wildfire? Many of us rely on our phones for emergency calls, GPS, and keeping in touch with loved ones, but most don’t realize that a bit of preparation can make all the difference.

First, make sure your phone has the latest software update. Newer devices, like those running iOS 18 or the latest Android models, can access emergency satellite texting, even when regular networks are down. This means you don’t have to spend on expensive satellite internet to stay in touch.

Next, enable data roaming on your phone. This feature allows you to use other cellular networks when your primary carrier's service is disrupted. In a crisis, this could be your lifeline to critical information. Sometimes this feature is enabled automatically during a natural disaster, but during Hurricane Helene this system failed and the data roaming had to be enabled manually for many people.

Lastly, know where your local Register of Deeds office is located. Often these offices have stable internet connections when everything else is down, making them a surprising but reliable spot to regain communication.

[_magnify]

If you know anyone in Florida, please make sure they know this. It looks like they are about to get hit by another giant storm today. 🙏

[WhyYouWahYoo]

“The interstate was gone” is… man just what a sentence. Glad you’re okay

[yuvalne]

honestly, life saving information in a calm, not panic inducing tone is great.

[christinehunt]

Sorry you had to go through that but glad you seem to have come through safely. Hoping you and your community are able to return to normal life as soon as possible.

[vkdrk]

Slovakia introduced something called "national roaming" in the early 2000s. National roaming means there is 100% coverage even in the deepest forests in the mountains. If your provider doesn't cover the area or if there are some technical issues, your phone automatically connects to the strongest service available, so you never have to worry about it

[TealTech]

Portable radios might be of help too, I believe emergency updates are still sent over radio waves

[Isan]

In 2017, Puerto Rico lost power for about a year and most places was longer. No cell service for months either.
Im not gonna say Florida had the best outcome of the hurricane, but it was considerably better in comparison. Much love for all those who were affected

[outoftheklosset]

I'm glad you're safe and I hope your friends and family are too. Thank you for sharing these tips!

Another tip is let's say that there's something happening and you can't make a call - sometimes texts WILL go through because there's less data needed to send and receive messages.

Sending support your way.💐

[hopehowell]

Don't forget your local radio station will also announce things like evacuation routes and weather warnings. Having a battery powered radio could save your life in an emergency.

[CSIsland]

When I saw Asheville on CNN, I really panicked. I’m so glad you and Ironland are doing well!

[tdrg_]

Satellite Texting

iPhone: any iPhone 14 or later can use satellite to share location, ask for car assistance or text 911. You can send regular messages to others with the latest iOS 18.

Android: Google Pixel 9 models can text 911 via satellite.

Edit: Starlink just enabled direct-to-cell in NC.

[petirgarda]

Glad to see you safe. I hope you and your family are safe and well in a warm place.

[d.esanchez]

I live in Mexico and were super used to Hurricanes but man, when they hit the lowlands of the US its devastating :( I pray for you all.

Also, if youre mexican or have mexa family or friends, Acapulco's Zone has recived a lot of damage (again. Not as bad as last year but pretty bad). So check on your family and send help if possible. Wasnt as bad as Florida but our government is poorer.

[doggo]

Good thing there's satellite internet, but events like these are one of the main reasons people did not want telephone booths/landlines to disappear, as in emergencies, they are the only ones that work and help you communicate with your loved ones.

[aliasalibi]

Thank you for this. I'm always touched when someone in the midst of their own troubles is thinking of, and helping, other people. It's really beautiful. Thank you again.

[jigggy]

You are such an inspiration. Making videos despite the hardships you went through. And even without hardships, your content is always amazing. Godspeed, Magnify.

[Emma-wcyr]

Emergency and HAM Radio as well are still very active use for events like this. Even a little handheld can sometimes get your signal out by a mile or more by just line of sight, even more if there's towers around to repeat your signal.

[hamzamotara]

The spring in your voice is back. I'm happy for you.

[popupdestroyer]

We had same issues in southwest of Germany a few years ago in Ahrtal area. Even emergency service networks collapsed so it was a horror to the people there.
Ham radio operators offered their help a lot of times, but were declined because they "were not needed". On todays perspective the help would be great and necessary. Emergency services, community offices and the DARC (which is the german pendant to the ARRL) declared the goal to work together in the future. We are on a good way to be prepared for the next flood.
Hope nobody died in your local flood and the houses can be rebuild fast.

[louisthehuman]

I'm glad you where able to evacute successfully and aren't seriously injured or dead. I hope you're alright, and that anyone in Florida right now is able to successfully evacuate to a safe area.