Hurricane prep has evolved as technology advances, and today, weather apps are an increasingly important resource. In fact, technology puts hurricane prep right – literally – at our fingertips.
John Joyce, CEO of CRS Technology Consultants, was recently a featured guest on Gulf Coast News for a Tech Bytes segment exploring technology heading into hurricane season. The TV segment, titled “Must-have apps as the Gulf Coast prepares for hurricane season” focused on planning, specifically through weather apps and tech resources.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail,” according to John. “That’s step one. But step two is also planning for failure. We have to think about defense in depth, thinking about when the first layer, the second layer, the third layer of what we have starts failing – what are we going to do?”
Businesses also need to develop a tech plan for communicating before, during and after a hurricane.
A tech addition to hurricane prep
The Florida Division of Emergency Management publishes a Disaster Supply Kit Checklist. This list includes essentials like batteries, flashlights, medications, first aid items, food, water, pet care items and more.
One thing missing from the list, though, is technology. Today, technology is a key component of hurricane preparation.
Apple famously coined the phrase “There’s an app for that.” That’s true for hurricane preparation. There are plenty of weather apps that prepare individuals and employees as a hurricane or tropical storm approaches Florida. Other apps provide critical resources after a storm.
“Big storms are all about preparation,” John notes. “We hear it all the time. Long before it gets here, go get fuel. Make sure you have the right food stocked up, batteries, water, the whole nine yards. We rarely hear about the technology preparations that go into getting ready for a storm. When it’s here, it is too late at that point. We’re not always talking about the life and death situations, but it can improve how you navigate the storm in real time as the internet starts failing and your cell phone is not working the way it’s supposed to.”
John leans on experience from past storms, including Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Milton and tropical systems. Cellular connections are a constant concern as smartphones go from lifeline to nonfunctioning devices.
“Things get spotty at first, then they turn into a paperweight,” John says. “That’s not the time to think, ‘How am I going to find out when the storm has truly passed? How am I going to know the situation with the tides?’ Having that information in your hands before landfall is key.”
Must-have weather apps
Smartphone users in hurricane-prone regions should begin researching weather apps before hurricane season and rainy season are in full effect. Apps can be broken into several categories.
Local media apps
These apps offer real-time weather alerts, safety information and local news updates:
- Gulf Coast News
- WINK News
Local government apps
County governments offer resources about evacuation zones, shelters and more:
- Lee County – LeePrepares
- Collier County – Collier Cares
National weather apps
Many private companies, weather forecasters and storm chasers have developed robust apps. However, consider downloading these official government apps:
- NHC Hurricane Tracker (satellite animations, forecast tracks and spaghetti models)
- NOAA Weather Radio – 200+ radio broadcasts, weather forecasts and push alerts.
Storm recovery resource apps
Consider potential resources needed after a storm, like financial assistance, housing and emergency supplies. These apps can help facilitate recovery:
- FEMA
- American Red Cross
A word of caution: News stations and governments typically do not charge to download apps. Don’t be fooled into thinking that an app with a download fee or monthly fee is better than a free app.
Reluctancy to download weather apps
John says smartphone users hesitate to download weather apps because they’re either worried about storage capacity or don’t think they’ll never use the app.
“The miniscule amounts of data and storage that you’re giving up on your device is meaningless in the grand scheme,” John notes. “Don’t overthink ‘What if I never need the app?’ It’s great news if you didn’t need the app, but if you do, you’ll be really happy you had it when you needed it.”
After a hurricane, cell service can become slow or spotty. Download speeds will come to a crawl. That’s why John encourages smartphone users to download apps now.
“It’s not just about saving time… it’s about having access to the information,” he says. “The little updates that get pushed to the app can be very small in size, but have crucial information. To have to download the entire app may be more than the cell phone infrastructure can handle in the middle of the storm.”
During and after Hurricane Ian, John recalls data access presented communication challenges, but many smartphone users could still text loved ones and co-workers. Additionally, new models of Apple and Android devices feature built-in satellite communications designed to allow short-burst, emergency messages.
Note: Even if users prefer not to download weather apps, they still can receive emergency alerts on their smartphones. However, they must first enable alerts. To do so, open “settings” and check “notifications.” From there, you can enable emergency alerts and public safety alerts.
Apple: Enabling government, emergency and safety alerts on iPhones
Android: Managing emergency phone alerts on Android devices
How businesses can use tech
All businesses should have a crisis communications plan. In Florida, that communications plan should include a section on hurricanes.
The following three items are crucial elements of that plan:
- Establish a communication plan for your team members because communication will be difficult. Include multiple options – text message, phone calls, emails, web posts and group chats.
- Ensure your company’s data is backed up so you can quickly resume operations after the storm. Data can be saved on physical servers or on the cloud.
- Decide how your team will communicate. Satellite-based systems are very reliable after hurricanes.
WATCH: Hurricane prep tech tips
Businesses should encourage employees to download weather apps onto their devices. Technology exists to improve our lives. When a hurricane approaches, tech keeps employees and their families safe. After a hurricane, tech helps businesses communicate with employees, clients and customers, and ultimately reopen as quickly as possible.
LISTEN: Solid State Podcast
Let’s Connect
Are you looking for a tech partner who recognizes the importance of reliable communication during and after hurricanes? Contact CRS Technology Consultants to schedule a consultation! Complete our online form, drop us an email at info@CRSTC.com or give us a call at 239-542-8450.
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