Imagine this: you are hiking in the forest, enjoying the scenery and the fresh air, when you suddenly realize that you are lost. Or maybe you’re in the middle of a natural disaster and need to find shelter and supplies to survive. In these situations, having the right tools can go a long way. And in today’s world, some of the most important tools are right on your smartphone.
That’s right, there are apps specifically designed to help you navigate, communicate, and survive emergencies. From navigation tools to first aid guides, these are the apps that can save your life.
1. FEMA
Developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the FEMA app provides real-time alerts and emergency information, along with many helpful features such as emergency kit checklists, disaster survival tips, and a map with shelter locations.
The app also provides real-time weather and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service and can help you find a nearby shelter if you need to flee to safety.
This is an essential app for anyone who wants to stay informed and prepared for a disaster.
Download: FEMA for iOS | Android (Free)
2. Offline Survival Manual
Although it is possible to make emergency calls even without a signal, you may not be able to access the Internet. The Offline Survival Manual app contains detailed guides on topics such as first aid, shelter building, navigation, and obtaining food and water. It also includes a section on emergency signals and communication methods.
The application information is available in offline mode, so it is useful in situations where internet access is not available. Offline Survival Manual puts vital survival knowledge at your fingertips, increasing your chances of staying safe in an emergency.
Offline Survival Guide for Android (Free)
3. First Aid: American Red Cross
First Aid: The American Red Cross provides you with basic first aid knowledge and guidance. The app includes easy-to-follow instructions and videos on how to respond to common emergencies such as burns, bleeding and choking. It also includes safety tips, an emergency directory and a hospital locator. You can then test your knowledge through interactive quizzes and earn badges for your achievements.
Download:
First Aid: American Red Cross for iOS | Android (Free)
4. GPS Essentials
There are many free offline GPS navigation apps out there, but GPS Essentials is one of the best. It helps you navigate with a number of useful tools such as compass, map and GPS tracker. It also includes features such as waypoint management, trip recording and route planning. You can view your location in multiple formats, including street maps, satellite images, and topographical maps. In addition, GPS Essentials lets you measure distances and elevations and share your location with others.
Download:
GPS Essentials for Android (Free)
5. MyRadar
It’s good to know that you can receive an immediate emergency alert on your phone. MyRadar Weather Radar provides real-time weather forecast including temperature, humidity, wind speed and precipitation level. You can view animated radar maps and receive alerts for severe weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. MyRadar also includes a hurricane tracker and a storm tracker that allows you to monitor storms in real time.
Download:
MyRadar for iOS | Android (free, premium version available)
6. SAS Survival Guide – Lite
Based on the best-selling book by former British Special Air Service soldier John “Lofty” Wiseman, the app includes step-by-step guides on topics such as building a survival kit, choosing a knife, and finding water. The paid version improves on the amount of information available and includes details on how to build a camp, survive in extreme climates, and build traps and weapons. However, even with SAS Survival Guide Lite, you can access basic survival skills offline, making it a useful tool for outdoor adventures and emergencies.
Download:
SAS Survival Guide – Lite for iOS | Android (free, premium version available)
7. PictureThis Plant Identifier
The PictureThis Plant Identifier helps you identify plants quickly and accurately. Using advanced image recognition technology, the app can identify more than 10,000 plant species from around the world. Simply take a photo of the plant you want to identify and PictureThis will provide detailed information about the plant’s name, including whether it is poisonous. With PictureThis, you can discover new plant species and learn which ones are edible and which ones might be harmful. – essential in any survival situation!
Download:
PictureThis Plant Identifier iOS | Android (free with subscription)
8. Knots 3D – How to tie knots
Knots 3D – How to Tie Knots Knots includes step-by-step instructions for tying every knot imaginable, including fishing knots, camping knots, and boating knots. By rotating and zooming the animations, you can see each knot from multiple angles, making it easier to learn and understand. Knots 3D also includes a search function that allows you to find knots by intended use or name.
Download:
Knots 3D – How to Tie Knots for iOS ($0.99) | Android (Free)
9. FishAngler
If you find yourself near a body of water during a disaster, the Fish Angler can help provide food. It includes real-time weather and water conditions to help you determine the best time and place to catch fish. Fish Angler also provides a fishing forecast based on factors such as moon phase, barometric pressure and water temperature to help you plan and predict when fish may be most active.
Download:
FishAngler for iOS | Android (Free)
10. iTrack Wildlife – Lite
When time gets tough and you’re desperate for food, iTrack Wildlife Lite helps you track animals in the wild. The app contains animal tracks and scats with detailed information about the habits and behavior of each species. Browse the database to identify animal tracks and learn about the animals that created them. iTrack Wildlife Lite also includes a measurement function that allows you to measure the length and width of animal tracks. Although the app’s database is smaller than the full version, iTrack Wildlife Lite is still a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their tracking skills.
Download:
iTrack Wildlife – Lite for iOS | Android (Free)
Using technology to stay safe in an emergency
From identifying wild plants and animals to learning to knot and surviving emergencies, these apps offer practical advice and guidance to help you survive an emergency. But don’t rely on these apps alone. Be sure to have an emergency kit on hand that includes essentials such as a flashlight, lamp, ration, rope, and other essential equipment. And if you plan to use your smartphone, you should put a solar panel or battery pack in your repair bag!