No matter how well-prepared you think you are for a hurricane, like batteries, water, and beer, nothing can prepare you for losing cell phone reception. No Wi-Fi? How do you check Instagram? Or, worst case scenario, what if you lose contact with your family and friends due to Hurricane Milton?
No hurricanes are expected to hit South Florida, but people in Miami should expect heavy rain, possible tropical storm force, and localized flooding (Flood watch in place for Miami-Dade County through Thursday) ). This situation is especially likely to cause power outages in areas where power lines are exposed. However, the possibility of loss of cell phone service cannot be ruled out.
Luckily, there are apps that allow you to use your phone as a walkie-talkie or two-way radio as long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi or have a network connection (even 3G). Below is a list of iPhone and Android compatible apps to download before Hurricane Milton hits.
transceiver
- This native Samsung app allows two or more Galaxy Watch users to instantly converse
Free; download for Galaxy Watch
Zello Walkie Talkie
- Free live audio over any network or Wi-Fi connection
- Cross-platform compatible (iPhone, iPad)
- You can play the message later even if your phone is turned off
Free; download for iPhone and Android
Voxer walkie talkie messenger
- Free live narration Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G
- Cross-platform compatible (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch)
- Save messages and play them later
- Push-to-talk allows you to instantly talk and send photos and videos
Free; download for iPhone and Android
Two-way: walkie-talkie
- No sign up required
- Battery usage is minimal while running in the background
Free; download for Android
