Keeping an old smartphone saved Steven S. from death.

You see, late one Friday night Steven was driving on a rural road near Quesnel in British Columbia.

While driving, he lost control of his car and landed upside down at the bottom of a steep embankment.

Steven was trapped in the car hanging by his seatbelt and unable to unbuckle it.

He suffered two lower back fractures, broken ribs, and a fractured sternum.

Steven cried out for help, but no one heard him.

He survived for days by eating snow, but as he remained trapped in the car he started losing hope.

Then, he remembered that he had kept his old smartphone in the glove compartment.

He’d purchased a new one but hadn’t set it up.

His old phone was deactivated but he could reach it.

By Monday morning Steven was able to remove the old smartphone from the glove compartment.

Even though the phone had been deactivated it was still able to call the police.

Soon after the call he heard sirens, but rescuers couldn’t find him.

So, he called the police again and first responders found him soon after.

Steven was transported to the hospital and for his injuries.

He was lucky he had his old phone with him.

These days more than 92% of Americans have a smartphone.

But, during a disaster cell networks and Wi-Fi will likely be down.

Yet, there are different ways you can use your smartphone even if the grid goes down.

Here are a few ways it will still work:

Mapping:

One of the most useful tools after a disaster could be a map. Being able to navigate and use a map offline can be a lifesaver.

This is why it’s a good idea to pre-download a mapping app to your smartphone.

In addition, Apple Maps and Google Maps will work offline but may not have all the same features.

I would pre-download detailed topographic maps of your region.

This should include water sources, and evacuation routes.

Using a smartphone app offline is likely going to be easier than using a compass or digging up a paper map.

Digital library:

There are a lot of things you will depend on during a disaster such as a tent, generator, and stove.

And these can all be more complex than other survival items.

So, you might want to keep the instructions for your generator easily accessible.

But, instead of carrying a paper copy, you should download a digital version to your smartphone.

Most websites will let you download product instructions and you should do this before the grid goes down.

Documentation:

During a disaster, you may need to document things that occur such as damage to your home or destroyed items.

You may even need to collect evidence of looters for the police or your insurance company.

Taking videos and photos on your smartphone is going to be the easiest way to document the disaster.

This doesn’t require the smartphone to be connected to any network. Simply save everything you document on your phone.

It could be a lifesaver when you start to rebuild from the disaster.

IR and Weather:

Additionally, some smartphones have cameras with an IR illuminator, which is similar to night vision.

Also, some smartphones have weather barometers which can help you predict any oncoming severe weather.

Play with the phone to see what works and what doesn’t. Make sure maps, documents, and other critical apps still function like you hope they do.

As much as society is overly dependent on smartphones you should use them to your advantage during a disaster.

Just be sure that you keep your phone secure and your private information safeguarded from any bad actors.