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how are cell phones useful in emergencies

by Prof. Esteban Huel PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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10 Things Your Phone Can Do in Emergency Situations

  • 1. Be an All-Purpose Emergency Kit ...
  • 2. Offer Medical Help ...
  • 3. Outline Basic First Aid ...
  • 4. Give Emergency Personnel Your Information ...
  • 5. Locate Family Members ...
  • 6. Detail Survival Tips ...
  • 7. Identify Edible and Medicinal Plants ...
  • 8. Navigate a Car Crash ...
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When you activate your phone's Emergency SOS feature, it will first connect you to a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Once your call with the dispatcher concludes, it will send a text message to your emergency contacts, notifying them of your current location. If you like to keep your location services off, that's fine.

Full Answer

What can my phone be used for in an emergency?

In case of an emergency, your phone can serve as a mobile filing cabinet that holds key information. Often during emergency situations, people instinctively pick up the phone to call friends or family within the first few minutes.

Is your cell phone a useful tool during a disaster?

For many people, their cell phone is simply a way of keeping in touch with family and friends, snapping a few photos, video recording a special event or playing a few rounds of Trivia Crack or Candy Crush. However, that phone also can be a useful tool during a disaster or an emergency situation.

Does mobile phone reporting of emergencies reduce death at the scene?

Mobile phone compared to landline reporting of emergencies resulted in significant reductions in the risk of death at the scene (odds ratio [OR] 0.77), but not for death in the ED or during inpatient admission.

Are cell phones useful in school crisis situations?

The push for cell phones in schools raises the question of the usefulness of student cell phones in school crisis situations. Many parents give their children cell phones as a safety precaution. It gives parents peace of mind knowing they have a direct line of communication with their child.

Why are cell phones important?

What to have on your phone in case of an emergency?

Why is it important to have emergency contacts?

What was the role of social media in Hurricane Harvey?

How many emergency contacts can you send on an Android phone?

Why is it important to have a water proof phone case?

Why do you mark emergency numbers on your phone?

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How can cell phones be used for emergencies in school?

During a crisis, cell phones allow students to notify their parents that they're safe. Student can keep family members updated on the situation as well. It also allows them to clarify to their parents any rumors that may be circulating on social media.

Do cell phones work in an emergency?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established basic 911 rules which requires all wireless service providers to transmit 911 calls regardless of whether the caller is a subscriber or not. The FCC also established enhanced 911 rules which provide your phone number, and location to emergency responders.

Why are phones important in school for emergencies?

Cell phones ensure a child's safety In case of any emergency children can instantly get in touch with you and seek help. Students can call 911 or other hotlines in case of an emergency. With unforeseen violence, a student can promptly inform school authorities.

How does 911 work with cell phones?

When making a 911 call from a wireless phone, you should: Tell the emergency operator the location of the emergency right away. Be prepared to provide the emergency operator with your wireless phone number, so if the call gets disconnected, the emergency operator can call you back.

What is emergency call on cell phone?

If you set a lock screen on your Android device, the PIN entry screen will then feature an Emergency call button toward the bottom of the screen. The button will enable anybody who grabs the phone to at least be able to dial 911 in the case of an emergency without needing to enter a PIN or lock pattern.

Why are phones important?

Communication: The primary function of mobile phones is to enable and facilitate communication among individuals. The mobile phones also facilitate the user in such a way that they do not need to learn numbers by heart rather can save the details in the phone's memory which can be accessed with just a click.

Can cell phones save lives?

Our phones help us in many ways. In fact, it can even help to save your life if you find yourself in an unsafe situation or experience sudden health issues. When you activate your phone's Emergency SOS feature, it will first connect you to a 9-1-1 dispatcher.

Do cell phones make school safer?

College students packing cell phones feel safer than those without and are more likely to take risky walks at night, a new study finds. The research reveals that carrying a cell phone can amp up risk-taking, particularly among women.

Does 911 work if there is no cell service?

However, calls to 911 on phones without active service do not deliver the caller's location to the 911 call center, and the call center cannot call these phones back to find out the caller's location or the nature of the emergency. If disconnected, the 911 center has no way to call back the caller.

Can a cell phone without service still call 911?

When a cell site experiences interruption, any 911 call will automatically connect to any available network, regardless of your carrier, to complete the emergency call. You can also enable Wi-Fi calling on your phone if you have internet access. You can also text 911 by using the numbers 9-1-1.

Can 911 ping a cell phone?

Despite most contemporary cell phones being equipped with GPS capabilities, that information is not automatically sent to emergency services when you call 911.

Can you call 911 if you have no signal?

NO. Not from a no-signal area. If the cell phone cannot reach the tower, no call can go through. Much like a phone cannot call 911 with dead battery, and a hard-wired phone cannot reach 911 if it is not properly cabled.

10 Things Your Phone Can Do in Emergency Situations - NotePage, Inc.

Cell Phones and Emergencies Owning a cell phone has come to be regarded as a necessity in modern society, and with the great advances that have been made in smart phone technology, most of us rely on our phones to help us in an array of situations.

Cell phone use in emergencies – Hints and Tips to know

If you have an Iphone, here is how you add one to your screen. For you Android users, click here to find out about the free app. Save your old phone. Most folks now a days turn in their old phone when they upgrade. But if you have an old, unused phone laying around somewhere, as long as it has a charge and powers on, it call still call 911.

How your smartphone can help in an emergency - Techish

The catastrophic events caused by Hurricane Harvey put smartphones to the test, raising the question about what our trusty mobile companions can do to help in crises like these. After all, we rely on these pocket-sized supercomputers for much of our lives, in a normal state, so surely they can be useful during natural disasters, among other grave situations one might find themselves in.

Cell phones are handy tools in emergency situations

Other apps consumers should definitely have on their phones are local news stations, weather emergency apps and Oklahoma’s Mesonet app. We all know living in Oklahoma how quickly a tornado can form.

Cell Phone Use In Natural Disasters - NotePage, Inc.

Prolonging the battery life of a cell phone can be very important and should be considered a priority in an emergency situation. Regardless of whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone there are a number of things that can be done to extend the life of a cell phone’s battery.

What does ICE stand for in emergency?

Over the years, many of us have been advised to save our next-of-kin or emergency contacts in our contacts list under the moniker "ICE," short for "In Case of Emergency ." The problem with this practice in today's world is that many of us lock our phones, so no emergency medical providers or first responders would ever be able to access a full list of contacts.

How many emergency contacts can you add to a list?

Tap Add, and add up to four emergency contacts. These can be imported from pre-existing contacts or new to your contact list.

How to find medical ID on iPhone?

To view Medical ID information on a locked iPhone: 1 While the phone is locked, slide right to access unlock pattern/digits. 2 Select "Emergency" from bottom left corner. 3 Select Medical ID from bottom left corner. 4 Tada!

Where is the Health app on iPhone?

Open the app store and locate the Health App (comes standard on iPhones and is denoted by a white icon with a pink heart in the top right corner).

Can you use a medical ID if your phone is locked?

With Medical ID, essential medical and contact information can be accessed by an emergency responder even if a phone is locked. Medical ID can quickly and easily be set up by the phone's owner. To set up a Medical ID or emergency contacts, follow the below steps. For a complete list of instructions with screenshots, download the infographic.

Can a paramedic pick up your phone?

Remember that a paramedic may pick up your phone for the right reasons in an emergency, but there is the possibility that someone else could pick it up and use it for the wrong reasons. Your private medical information is private, and only information that may be useful or necessary in an emergency situation should be entered.

What are some apps that can help you during an emergency?

Thankfully, apps like Emergency Alert and Disaster Alert specialize in emergency preparedness. These apps can alert you to emergencies that may affect you, and can provide you with up-to-date information regarding the situation so that you can best prepare to stay safe.

What is the FEMA app?

This app can guide you through comprehensive emergency preparation and help you remain safe and find shelter during an emergency, making it an ultimate multi-purpose tool.

Is GPS tracking good?

While GPS tracking may have a bad reputation, the technology can be put to great use. GPS tracking can not only be used for everyday tasks, such as ensuring the safety of your young children or determining if your teenagers drive recklessly, but in more dire situations. Apps such as AT&T Family Map and Life360 can help you locate your loved ones, and even alert them to an emergency quickly and easily.

Why is my phone important?

For many people, their cell phone is simply a way of keeping in touch with family and friends, snapping a few photos, video recording a special event or playing a few rounds of Trivia Crack or Candy Crush. However, that phone also can be a useful tool during a disaster or an emergency situation.

Why is it important to have a contact list on your phone?

It also is a good idea to have a printed list of phone numbers to keep in your emergency kit should your phone get lost or destroyed in an emergency situation or disaster. Having a paper list of these numbers can save you a lot of time when you need to reach someone quickly.

What does ICE stand for in phone numbers?

I’m sure you’ve all heard about storing phone numbers in your phone under the name of ICE. If not, this stands for “in case of emergency,” and can help first responders contact your family in an emergency situation. You can program the numbers as ICE Mom or ICE Husband so emergency personnel will know with whom they are speaking.

Why do 911 dispatch centers use GPS?

Most wireless carriers use Enhanced 911 services to provide more accurate geographical coordinates via newer phones and GPS radios, but many emergency dispatch centers don’t have the technology to receive the data. Even if they have the technology, they don’t get the information automatically.

How many 911 calls have location information?

USA TODAY did a review of 911 call records and compared their findings to local, state and federal government data. Their research indicated that less than half of cell phone calls include precise location information.

Why are there no pool phone laws?

A common reason offered for the lack of pool phones laws is, “but everyone has a cell phone.”. That simply isn’t good enough especially when you factor in that California and Florida, who have no pool phone law are in the top three states having the highest number of pool and spa drownings involving children under 15.

What is Kings III emergency communications?

We at Kings III Emergency Communications know better than anyone that providing a reliable emergency response solution is impactful in minimizing risk and liability exposure, and more importantly, aids the people on your premises when they need help the most.

Can a deactivated phone be used to call 911?

The FCC requires deactivated phones to transmit 911 calls to a PSAP, but because a deactivated cell phone has no calling plan and therefore no phone number, emergency operators have no way to return a call. Where does that leave you if the call gets dropped or an operator needs to patch a paramedic through to give CPR instruction?

Do you need a phone for a pool?

Some states require an emergency pool phone for public and community pools while others require a phone only when the pool is manned by a lifeguard and still others require nothing at all. The lifeguard thing baffles us. It’s counterintuitive at best.

Is it safe to use a cell phone in an emergency?

You Should Know About the Cons of Cell Phone Use for Emergencies. Cell phones may be the sleekest, but they aren’t the safest when it comes to emergencies. Property managers who rely on tenants using cell phones instead of emergency phones leave themselves, their tenants, and their property vulnerable. Here’s why.

Why do I need a phone for emergency use?

You may be wondering, why do I need a phone for emergency uses only? Having one of these provides a reliable lifeline in the event of an emergency. With this, you'll be able to make calls and send SMS texts, keeping in touch with loved ones, as needed.

What is the emergency feature on iPhone?

One of my personal favorites is the Emergency SOS feature. This allows you to instantly call emergency services, all you have to do is press the power button five times quickly. You won't have to input your password or unlock your device in order to use this feature, it's simply meant to get you help when you need it most.

Can you use an emergency phone everyday?

These probably won't be an issue for you to worry about if you only use this phone for emergencies. However, if you're using your emergency phone as an everyday phone, you may want to invest in something more reliable.

Is a cheaper phone better for emergency calls?

For instance, a cheaper phone may have worse call quality or break easier, making it less reliable than we'd like in emergency situations.

Is it good to be prepared for an emergency?

Being prepared for emergency situations is always a good idea. Now that you have details on some of the best emergency cell phones currently available you're on your way! Please share your tips for staying prepared and any of the best emergency phones in the comments below!

Is an emergency phone cheaper?

Similarly, emergency phones are generally much cheaper and aren't as invasive with personal information. Being prepared in case of an emergency is essential, and you might find yourself wishing you had an emergency cell phone.

Why are cell phones important in school?

Cell phones are a great way for students and parents to communicate with each other, especially in case of emergency. Sometimes, however, they may create their own threat. Ultimately, it’s up to individual schools and districts to decide where to draw the line when it comes to student cell phones in school crisis situations. ...

Why do students use cell phones?

During a crisis, cell phones allow students to notify their parents that they’re safe. Student can keep family members updated on the situation as well. It also allows them to clarify to their parents any rumors that may be circulating on social media.

Why are cell phones dangerous?

Cell phones can also be a distraction to students when they are taking safety precautions during a crisis. Another danger is that by ringing or vibrating, a cell phone can reveal to a shooter where hiding places are. It may seem like a good idea for students to utilize social media to notify loved ones of their safety.

How do cell phones help students?

Cell phones can also help emergency responders by allowing them to send directions to the students. Lastly, students can stay updated on the situation through news outlets, as they may otherwise not have access to such information.

Why do parents give their kids cell phones?

Many parents give their children cell phones as a safety precaution. It gives parents peace of mind knowing they have a direct line of communication with their child. Furthermore, many parents of high school students ask their child to notify them when they arrive at and depart from a destination.

Is it dangerous to text students during a crisis?

The Dangers of Cell Phones During Crisis. Sending out a text to students to direct action may sound useful. However, it creates a potential threat to students. If the shooter is a student, this safety measure may reveal where students are hiding for safety .

Why should we use cell phones in school?

Although cell phones can be distracting they should be allowed in school in case of an emergency, to teach responsibility, and to help in school like homework and research. Cell phones are very helpful in emergencies. With cell phones, parents know if their children alright in an emergency. Which takes a lot of stress off the parents. Also, it is easy to

How do cellphones affect society?

Socially, cellphones are changing society as a whole. While people are connecting more with the world, they are also lacking social connection as well. Reliability is a word to describe how cellphones make a difference in today’s society, while as causing harm to us as well. There’s much value in owning such a device, but that device can also become the biggest distraction. Since the beginning, humans were drawn to connection with people from very far; in today’s age, cellphones give that opportunity

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a cell phone?

The Advantages, Disadvantages, and Risks of using Cellphones: Are the Benefits Greater than the Risks? Cellphones have become a necessity in our daily life and are very convenient to use. The truth is almost everyone we know owns a cellphone and almost no one owns a landline phone. Some of the advantages for cellphone users are that they can communicate with their family and friends no matter where they are, have constant internet access, are able to download applications such as a GPS, music players

What year was the first cellphone invented?

In the year 1973, is the year the world became modern and new. This year has a great significance and effect on the world because it was the year the invention of the cellphone (a portable device that can make and receive calls anywhere at any time) came about. Even though it was invented that year it wasn’t until 1983 in which it became available to the public to buy and own. In the year 2006, the number of cellphones that were sold was one billion worldwide and the number continues to rise with each passing year. With that said, as the years went by the cellphone went from a communication device to a helpful device that many cannot live without today. It is so helpful that it is used to save lives during emergencies. And the world is…show more content…

Why are cell phones important?

Cell phones have become an essential part of one’s day. From task reminders to alarms to various apps, smartphones provide a plethora of utilities in everyday life. Not only can cell phones make menial tasks easier, but they also are helpful in emergency situations.

What to have on your phone in case of an emergency?

In case of an emergency, your phone can serve as a mobile filing cabinet that holds key information. A Modern Day Emergency Kit For Your Phone.

Why is it important to have emergency contacts?

Emergency contacts are especially important in natural disasters. If you are hurt or injured, having these numbers in your phone can help notify loved ones of where you are. Immediate emergency contacts usually consist of friends and family, but they should also extend to local first responders. In case you or a family member are stuck, you can easily notify first responders to your location to get help as soon as possible. Some examples of emergency contacts are:

What was the role of social media in Hurricane Harvey?

In 2017, when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and Louisiana, social media played a big role for those seeking help. While the telecommunication networks were overloaded with calls to emergency personnel, social media became the go-to tool in the hurricane’s aftermath. Many used Facebook and Twitter to find loved ones, shelters, and safe routes out of town. Many even used it to contact first responders who they couldn’t get through to using the phone lines.

How many emergency contacts can you send on an Android phone?

For Android phones, users first must make sure that the ability to send SOS messages is turned on in Settings. Then, you can input four emergency contacts to receive your messages. By pressing the power button three times in a row, your phone will send messages to these contacts as well as your location.

Why is it important to have a water proof phone case?

Waterproof phone cases can help prevent water damage. Waterproof Phone: Water-resistant phones are relatively common nowadays, and can help prevent water damage in a flood, a rainstorm, or even damage from dropping it in a puddle. Emergency contacts are especially important in natural disasters.

Why do you mark emergency numbers on your phone?

You can mark these numbers as emergency contacts in your phone so they stand out in your contact list. This could help hospitals, police, or other samaritans find and notify your loved ones in case you’re unable to yourself. Smartphones also allow for voice commands so people can call or text without physically touching the phone.

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1.Utilizing Smartphones in an Emergency | Verizon Mobile

Url:https://www.verizon.com/info/technology/smartphone-emergency/

16 hours ago Not only can cell phones make menial tasks easier, but they also are helpful in emergency situations. For example, most phones are now made with automated emergency protocols …

2.Mobile phone use for contacting emergency services in …

Url:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142669/

21 hours ago Mobile phone compared to landline reporting of emergencies resulted in significant reductions in the risk of death at the scene (odds ratio [OR] 0.77), but not for death in the ED or during …

3.Videos of How Are cell phones Useful in Emergencies

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12 hours ago  · Here are some of the most popular methods for converting your phone into an emergency unit: Program your phone for location discovery: This means that cell phone …

4.In Case of Emergency... How a Cell Phone Can Save Your …

Url:https://www.kindredhealthcare.com/resources/blog-kindred-spirit/2021/02/16/in-case-of-emergency-how-a-cell-phone-can-save-your-life

14 hours ago  · How a Cell Phone Can Save Your Life. Every day, patients are brought into emergency rooms or other medical scenarios. Often, depending on their symptoms and …

5.10 Things Your Phone Can Do in Emergency Situations

Url:https://www.notepage.net/mobile/10-things-your-phone-can-do-in-emergencies.html

33 hours ago 10 Things Your Phone Can Do in Emergency Situations 1. Be an All-Purpose Emergency Kit. There are a plethora of apps that focus on a specific niche that will benefit you in... 2. Offer Medical …

6.Cell phones are handy tools in emergency situations

Url:https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/news/lifestyles/cell-phones-are-handy-tools-in-emergency-situations/article_e84ee55c-c111-11e4-a74e-d7886bde6601.html

36 hours ago  · Cell phones are handy tools in emergency situations. For many people, their cell phone is simply a way of keeping in touch with family and friends, snapping a few photos, …

7.Know the Cons of Cell Phone Use for Emergencies | Kings III

Url:https://www.kingsiii.com/help-phone-blog/you-should-know-about-the-cons-of-cell-phone-use-for-emergencies/

11 hours ago When you rely on your pool’s guests to use their cell phones in the event of an emergency, you put your own risk and liability in their hands. Furthermore, you increase their risk as well due to the …

8.Best Emergency Cell Phones In 2022 | UpPhone

Url:https://www.upphone.com/learn/deals/buyers-guides-ld/best-emergency-cell-phones/

6 hours ago  · Having one of these provides a reliable lifeline in the event of an emergency. With this, you'll be able to make calls and send SMS texts, keeping in touch with loved ones, as …

9.Student Cell Phones in School Crisis Situations: Pros and …

Url:https://learnsafe.com/student-cell-phones-in-school-crisis-situations-pros-and-cons/

2 hours ago  · Cell phones can also help emergency responders by allowing them to send directions to the students. Lastly, students can stay updated on the situation through news …

10.The Use of Cellphones During Emergencies - 872 Words

Url:https://www.bartleby.com/essay/The-Use-of-Cellphones-During-Emergencies-F3P6WJFSQU8AX

26 hours ago Contrary to popular belief, increased cellphone use does not have a negative impact on society. Cellphones allow humanity to grow and learn, so they have a positive impact on civilization. …

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