5 Steps to Set Your Phone Up for Emergency Situations

Written By Amy Treacy

Living and working in rural areas comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to staying connected during emergencies. Your phone can be a crucial tool for safety, but only if it’s set up correctly. Here are five essential steps to ensure your phone is ready for whatever comes your way.

1. Set Up Emergency SOS

When you're in an emergency, every second counts. Emergency SOS on your phone lets you quickly call emergency services and alert your contacts without needing to unlock or navigate apps.

  • iPhone Users: Go to Settings > Emergency SOS. Enable "Call with Side Button" and "Auto Call" so you can contact emergency services by pressing the side button five times quickly.

  • Android Users: On most Android phones, go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Emergency SOS. Set up the feature to contact emergency services when you press the power button 3-5 times in a row.

This quick feature could be the difference between getting help instantly or facing dangerous delays.

2. Add Emergency Contacts

When you use Emergency SOS, your phone can automatically notify pre-selected emergency contacts. These could be family members, close friends, or trusted neighbors. Not only will they get an alert, but some phones can also send your location to them automatically.

  • iPhone: Open the Health app, tap your profile, and go to Medical ID. Add emergency contacts and enable "Show When Locked" so this information is accessible without unlocking your phone.

  • Android: Go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Emergency contacts and add your key contacts there.

This feature ensures that even if you're unable to make a call yourself, someone will be informed and can take action on your behalf.

3. Create a Medical ID

Setting up a Medical ID gives first responders access to critical health information even if your phone is locked. This could include allergies, blood type, medical conditions, and current medications—information that could be life-saving in the right hands.

  • iPhone: Go to the Health app, tap your profile picture, and then Medical ID. Fill out your medical details and toggle on "Show When Locked."

  • Android: Go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Medical information. Enter your medical details and make sure it’s visible on your lock screen.

Having this information accessible can help first responders provide better care if you're in a situation where you can't speak for yourself.

4. Keep Your Phone Charged or Have Backup Power

In rural areas, power outages can be more common, and during emergencies, your phone is useless if it’s dead. Keeping your phone charged and having a reliable backup power source is essential. Here are some tips to ensure your phone is always powered:

  • Power Banks: A portable charger is a must. Make sure you have at least one power bank that's fully charged and can charge your phone multiple times.

  • Solar Chargers: These are excellent for extended outages. As long as there’s sunlight, you can recharge your phone even if you’re completely off the grid.

  • Car Chargers: Keep a charger in your vehicle so you can top up your phone’s battery while driving.

It's a simple but essential step. No matter how well your phone is set up for emergencies, none of it matters if the battery runs out when you need it most.

5. Enable Crash Detection

Many newer smartphones now offer Crash Detection, which can automatically detect when you’ve been in a car accident and call emergency services on your behalf. This can be life-saving, especially in remote areas where you might not be able to call for help yourself.

  • iPhone 14 and later: This feature is built-in. Go to Settings > Emergency SOS to ensure Crash Detection is enabled. Your iPhone will automatically dial emergency services if a severe crash is detected.

  • Google Pixel Phones (Pixel 4 and later): Go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Car crash detection. Make sure it’s enabled so your phone can call for help if a crash occurs.

Once activated, your phone uses its sensors to detect a crash and, if confirmed, it will alert emergency services with your location. This is especially valuable in rural areas where passing traffic may be scarce.

Take Action Now to Stay Safe

Your phone is a powerful tool that could save your life, but only if it’s set up properly. By taking these steps, you’ll ensure that it’s ready to help when you need it the most.

If you found these tips useful and want a more detailed walkthrough, I’m working on a DIY video guide that will show you exactly how to set everything up step by step. The video will be available soon for just $20! Sign up here to go on the waiting list and get notified when it’s ready.

Prefer hands-on help? I’m also offering 1:1 in-person sessions to walk you through the process and customize your phone settings for your specific needs. Click here to book a session (this also includes a full ‘Online Security Boost’ service to make sure you are fully protected online). Other times are available by appointment if none on the online booking system work for you 😊

Stay safe and prepared!

Amy Treacy
Digital Specialist, Bush Biz Boost

The text message that no parent wants to receive…

But thank goodness we have this type of technology available to us these days!

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