Mobile Preparedness and Response
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Get Involved
Have a favorite preparedness related app? Have a good story about how your cell phone has helped you respond? Want to pilot test mobile resources we develop? Let us know!
Email: sche0526@umn.edu
Because cell phone use is virtually ubiquitous around the world, U-SEEE PERL is exploring ways to incorporate mobile technology into its preparedness training delivery portfolio. This webpage is meant to be an evolving educational resource for emergency responders as we explore the role of mobile technology in public health emergency response. Check back for updates!
Featured Items
See how “crisis mapping” has evolved using cell phone technology and has made emergency responses more time-critically effective and organized.
U-SEEE PERL conducted a survey to learn how Minnesota Medical Reserve Corp members use their cell phones in their everyday life and during emergency response.
Prepare Your Cell Phone for Response
- Know your phone, its features (e.g. camera, texting, wi-fi, GPS), and its limitations (e.g. battery life, dead zones). Explore your settings and be aware of what features you need during an emergency and what features you can turn off to save battery life.
- Back up your contacts list regularly.
- Store and synchronize essential documents on an online storage service (such as Dropbox) that offers remote access from your mobile device.
- Download apps (e.g. first aid, Google Earth, flashlight) that may facilitate or improve your response during emergencies.
- Update your apps regularly.
- Bookmark essential websites in your web browser. Be sure to use the mobile website version when available (for example m.fema.gov).
- Use a protective case.
- Take photos of your gokit and store photos on your phone so that during an emergency, you can verify that you have all supplies.
- Consider purchasing a low-cost solar battery charger.