Unless you happen to be psychic, it is impossible to predict what is around the corner. Hopefully your life will be a long procession of fabulous good luck and serendipitous events, but if, like many people, bad luck and unfortunate events stalk your every path, find out how an iPhone can help make things a little easier should something unfortunate happen in the next few days.
The Definition of a Natural Disaster
Natural disasters come in all shapes and forms. Some will have little direct impact on you because they occur on the other side of the world, but if a river bursts its banks nearby or a volcanic eruption takes place in your back yard, you could be in serious trouble.
So what are the most common natural disasters you need to be concerned about?
- Tornado
- Hurricane
- Tsunami
- Flood
- Earthquake
- Volcanic eruption
How Will an iPhone Help You?
Phones of any description are useful in the event of a natural disaster. However, because landlines will probably be out of action for a while, your iPhone could be the only way you have of communicating with the rest of the world. It can also be used to provide a host of other useful services when times are tough. But as useful as an iPhone can be, it isn’t much use if the battery is dead, so always keep your iPhone fully charged if you suspect a natural disaster might be on the horizon.
Find Out the Latest News
If something goes horribly wrong in your neighbourhood, it is essential that you find out the latest news and updates about what is happening. The media is great at keeping people informed when natural disasters occur, but if you are sitting right in the middle of a tornado or volcanic eruption, the chances are good that the TV and radio might not be very accessible (or indeed working). A mobile phone is much more likely to be functioning to a reasonable level, so at least you can check out the online news sites or listen to internet radio for the latest news bulletins.
Call for Help
If you are caught in a tight spot, your iPhone might just save your life. You can take advantage of your free call allowance and telephone the emergency services, or if your life is not in immediate jeopardy, give your loved ones a call and let them know you could do with a bed for the night. Even if you belatedly discover you have run out of credit, it will still be possible to make an emergency telephone call from your mobile phone, so if the flood waters are lapping at your front door and you can’t swim, start dialling immediately.
When’s the Power Coming Back on?
The electricity supply is usually the first thing to go when a natural disaster occurs. In the short term, no electric might be the least of your worries, but once the immediate threat of danger is no longer imminent, it won’t be long before you are cold, smelly, and desperate for a hot cup of tea or coffee. It is usually anyone’s guess when the power is likely to be restored, but if you can’t bear playing the waiting game, give the electricity supply company a call and find out when they expect to fix the supply problem.
Snap Happy
Being stuck in the middle of a flood, tornado or hurricane is not much fun and at its worst, is exceedingly dangerous to life and limb. But if you enjoy living life on the edge, or you want a pictorial record of your stint in the dark zone, whip your iPhone out and start taking photos. You will be able to show them to family and friends once your ordeal is over, or you could post them to Instagram or Facebook and show others what is happening down your neck of the woods. And if your pictures are totally amazing, you might even be able to sell them to the local news agencies for their front page spreads.
Check the Weather Forecast
Most natural disasters are weather related, so downloading a few weather apps could be pretty useful at a time like this. They will allow you to keep a close eye on the weather forecast for your area, and if things look as if they might get worse, you can take the opportunity to depart for a safer place.
iPhones are one of the most popular mobile phones on the market, but despite their popularity, it can still be hard to find a cheap deal, especially if you want the latest incarnation of iPhone. All of the main manufacturers, including T-Mobile, Vodafone and EE, offer iPhones on SIM only deals or two year contracts.
