Handy Apps to Have in Case of an Earthquake

Here are 3 free apps available for both iOS and Android devices that can help you

before, during, and after an earthquake!

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1. Life 360 - a lifetime location-sharing app where you can view the realtime location of friends and family using state-of-the-art GPS location data. This also allows you to message your loves ones, receive realtime alerts on whether your loved ones have arrived or left home, school, or work, and track lost or stolen phones. The app can also detect car crashes and contacts the person involved to check if they're ok, sends emergency assistance when needed, can also contact the driver's loved ones immediately after. Since this app doesn't require WIFI, it make it ideal for locating and getting in touch with your loved ones after an earthquake.

2. FireChat - an instant messaging app that doesn't require the use of either signal or mobile data. Instead, it uses WIFI and Bluetooth to form a network that allows people to send and receive messages, and can still work without WIFI. While the standard signal range is 200 feet offline, the more people that connect the wider the range. This makes it the ideal messaging app to use after an earthquake, especially with the possibility of cell towers going down.

2. Agos eBayanihan - is a local app made by Ateneo and the Department of Science and Technology. The app features a "Citizen Reports" section, with reports that range from person's condition during a disaster to damages in the area. It also features geo-tagged reports and alert and relief maps. The app is also open to disaster aid volunteers, and allows disaster responders to connect with those who need help in realtime. This app is ideal to have during earthquakes as you can receive updates from news sites, government agencies, and people at the location of the earthquake, and can also contact emergency services.

#apps