How technology can help you in emergencies

Is your family prepared?

Being able to communicate with family, friends and first responders during an emergency is critical. However, everyday communication devices may not work during an emergency.

If you have a landline, keep at least one corded phone in your home. Cordless phones rely on electricity and will not work during a power outage. It's also a good idea to keep extra batteries or a charger for your mobile device in your emergency kit. Keep your contacts up to date on your mobile devices, andsave your 'safe meeting' location(s) on your phone's mapping application.

Public Safety Canada also offers these tips for staying in touch and reducing network congestion in an emergency:


• If you must use a phone, keep your conversation brief and convey only vital information.

• If possible,use non-voice channels like text messaging, email or social media, as these use less bandwidth than phone calls and may work even when phone service has been disrupted.

• Monitoring social media channels for updates from authorities can be a great way to stay informed during an emergency. However, these channels are not typically monitored 24/7, so the best way to report an emergency is to call 9-1-1.

• If you have been evacuated and have call-forwarding on your home phone, forward calls to your cell phone.

• Conserve battery power by reducing screen brightness, keeping calls short, and closing apps not in use.

• To reduce network congestion immediately after an emergency, avoid using your mobile device to stream videos, download entertainment, or play video games.

More information, including practical tips for what to do before, during and after an emergency is available online att www.GetPrepared.ca.

www.newscanada.com