Plymouth Rock and Smartphone Apps that Could Help in an Emergency

  

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When disaster strikes, you want to be ready – the following Smartphone apps could ensure that you are prepared, remain connected and stay safe.

You never know when disaster might strike and the 1st step of ensuring your safety is your disaster-preparedness kit. However, your Smartphone may be an equally important tool in the tool box due to the variety of apps that can help you stay in touch and keep abreast of your family, and what’s going on around you.

In a disaster, you can’t count on power to charge your batteries, so it may make sense to have a solar charger or a back up battery. However, even a partially charged phone can help you out – just remember to limit your usage to save your charge.

Here are some suggested Apps that might help you before, during and after the next disaster.

• StopDisaster - iPhone - $1.99
  
  StopDisaster is an iPhone app that walks you through preparedness checklists for hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards and other disasters. It'll help you build an emergency kit, get your documents in order, and store your emergency phone numbers.
  
  For Android users, there's a similar app called Disaster Readiness that costs $1.29.
   
• Dropbox - Android and iPhone - Free
  
  You never know where you will be when a disaster strikes, or whether your computer survives unscathed. Make sure you have copies of your most important files stored in a Dropbox account. Dropbox is cloud storage – simply install the program on your PC or Mac, upload files to your folder, and they are instantly available on all your other computers and Smartphones. You can also access your folders through the Dropbox website from any computer with internet access.
   
• Flashlight by Rik for iPhone - Free
  Brightest Flashlight for Android - Free
  
  These apps turn your phones into flashlights. If you are caught in a disaster and the power goes out, a flashlight app can be invaluable. No more rummaging around for a flashlight in those first confusing moments.
   
• Hurricane Tracker - iPhone - $1.99
  
  When a hurricane is approaching, you want the latest official maps, data and projections. This hurricane-tracking app is for people who want the most up-to-date information so they can make the best decision possible.
  
  For Android, try the free Hurricane Software app.
   
• Life360 - Android and iPhone - Free
  
  Keeping in touch with family is key at all times, and becomes more important in a crisis. Life360 is a GPS tracking systems that uses your family’s Smartphone to show you where they are — on a map. The Life360 GPS tracking system can help you stay in touch with your family anywhere, get safety alerts to them, or call for help with the tap of a button.
   
• Facebook for iPhone
  Facebook for Android
  Twitter for iPhone
  Twitter for Android
  
  Social media may not be for you – but in the event of an emergency, it could be invaluable; because whether your friends and family are safe or are facing trouble, they'll likely be posting about it on Facebook and Twitter. In addition many business and social service agencies will be posting and you know what area businesses are open or where you can go for assistance.
  
  Consider following the National Hurricane Center, FEMA and your local transit agency and police department on Twitter – that way you can stay abreast of what’s happening in your community.
   
• 5-0 Radio Police Scanner Lite - iPhone - Free
  
  Want to make sure you have the correct information – not rumor or conjecture - follow police band radio, using a free app on your phone. This isn't talk radio; it's an unfiltered feed of cops, firefighters and other public-safety officers. We wouldn't recommend relying on it as your only news source, but it's worth listening in.
  
  Android users, try the free Scanner Radio app.
   
• MotionX GPS Drive - iPhone - .99 cents
  
  If you have an iPhone, MotionX GPS Drive can help if you need to travel an unfamiliar route. And the software even will work without a cellular signal, if you and download and cache maps.
  
  Android and iPhone users might consider the Waze app, too. This app provides free navigation and connects you to your local driving community.
   
• American Red Cross: Shelter View - iPhone - Free
  
  The American Red Cross has been assists people that have to evacuate and Shelter View helps locate the shelter nearest to you. This app is not available for Android, but you can search for a Red Cross shelter online.

Please note that you should research all apps prior to downloading and that none of these are endorsed by Plymouth Rock Assurance.

Headquartered in Boston, Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation provides auto insurance to personal and commercial auto insurance customers in MA and CT. Plymouth Rock is the flagship carrier of The Plymouth Rock Group of Companies, which together write and manage over $1 billion in auto and homeowner’s insurance throughout the Northeast.