In the event of an emergency, your phone is probably always handy. Here are useful applications in case of disaster. whoever she is
In France, a new population warning and information system called FR-Alert has been in use nationwide since June 21, 2022. “It allows alerts to be sent to the mobile phones of people who are in an area where there is a serious risk (natural disaster, biological, chemical or industrial accident, terrorist attack, etc.) to inform them of the nature of the risk location and on the behaviors they must adopt to protect themselves,” the government explains.
Specifically, this system – which currently only affects the municipal departments – does not use text messages, but cellular communication, which broadcasts alerts via radio waves via communication antennas. This also makes it possible to limit the alarm to the danger area. These alerts aim in particular to provide important information (fire, flood, accident at work, etc.), the exact location of the hazard and the attitude to be taken (stay at home, evacuate, etc.). There is also the Twitter account Ministry of the Interior – Alert.
Finally, note that this month Apple activated the satellite emergency SOS system in France if you have an iPhone 14. In addition, applications can be very useful in the event of a disaster. Here’s our “just in case” download picks.
Survivalism: the BA.ba
- SAS Survival Guide. This survival guide in English explains all the tricks to start survivalism. Preparation, nutrition, orientation, health, safety… A true pocket survival guide. A goldmine for €6.99 on iOS, €6.49 on Android.
- housewares. With this iPhone application you can list all the food you put on hold in case of a disaster to survive for several days, weeks or months. By scanning the barcode you will get all the information including the expiry date and the possible survival time thanks to these regulations. €3.49 for iOS
- 3D node. Here is a very detailed guide to learn how to tie all kinds of knots (177 variations!). The app is translated into French and all nodes are explained and presented in a 3D animation. A must. €6.99 for iOS, €6.49 for Android.
- Kiwi. Download part of Wikipedia, it can always be useful. In order to have useful files for survival (for example how to make a fire) even when not connected, this app comes in very handy. Free for iOS and Android.
- directional compass. As much as the iPhone natively integrates a compass, this isn’t always the case with Android. Some brands offer a solution, others have skipped it. So it might make sense to download one. Compass Galaxy is the highest rated in the Play Store. Free on Android.
FIRST AID
- The app that saves. The French Red Cross has developed an app for those who don’t remember all the “life-saving gestures” and prefer to have a reminder in their pocket in case of an accident. Free for iOS and Android.
- To stay alive. This app maps cardiac defibrillators around the world. To date, it lists more than 245,000 defibrillators. Free for iOS and Android.
Survive in nature
- flow quality. In the event of a disaster, it can be helpful to know the cleanliness of a watercourse or how polluted it is before attempting to fetch or wash in water. Free for iOS and Android.
- Mushroom. The name may make you smile, but this application is very effective in sorting out edible or poisonous mushrooms. Free for iOS and Android.
- PlantNet. In the same sense as champignouf, one may need to know more about a plant before attempting to feed off its fruit, for example. Or whether its leaves, stems, or sap can cause allergies and irritation. Free for iOS and Android.
weather report
- weather blue. Currently one of the best applications to have the weather forecast around you, on land and on water, and its plus: It not only lists communities, but also passes and mountain peaks, for example. Free for iOS and Android.
- storm warning. “Locked out” for X or Y reasons? In capricious weather, this application will give you useful information in case of a storm. It warns you when a storm is brewing near you and locates the lightning fairly accurately. Free for iOS and Android.
great disasters
- teleray. With this application from the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety, you can keep an eye on radioactivity in France at all times. The information is provided in near real time. Free for iOS and Android.
- My earthquake warnings. This application warns of earthquakes around the world. It also allows you to follow the history of earthquakes since 1970. Free for iOS and Android.
communication
- Signal. All-in-one messaging for text, voice and video. It is important that the communication is end-to-end encrypted by default. Free for iOS and Android.
- Google translator. Granted, the latest versions of Android and iOS include a translation system, but it’s always handy to have a dedicated app. It can do basic text-to-text, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text. And also can use the camera to translate printed words. Additional interest: the app works without an internet connection. Free for iOS and Android.
cartography
- Gaia GPS. This service includes a comprehensive catalog of topographic, satellite, street and NatGeo maps. Many functions are available offline, which is useful both in the event of a network failure and in a dead zone. You can follow your path, import GPX files, etc. Also, this app doesn’t drain your battery. It offers paid options for certain maps (IGN, Swiss Topo, etc.). Free for iOS and Android.
- Cairn walking and outdoor path. This app is designed for hiking but can be especially useful in the event of a natural disaster or if you get lost in the middle of nowhere. Indeed, it contains emergency numbers as well as areas where other users of the app have found a network with their smartphone. And the app can send information to your loved ones when you go offline for a while. Free for iOS and Android.
And don’t forget to enter your emergency information (blood type, emergency contact, etc.) on your phone! If you don’t know how to proceed, follow our complete guide.