Hurricane Milton is rapidly approaching Florida’s west coast, millions of people have been told to evacuate, and forecasters say it could be one of the most destructive hurricanes for the state. He warns.
The devastating storm is expected to bring destructive hurricane-force winds to inland central Florida, downing trees and power lines and wreaking havoc on communications infrastructure.
It can be difficult to reach loved ones in the community, but if you have an Apple iPhone or a Google Android device, you can be the first responder to those who are trapped or at risk. You can contact your loved ones or contact your family.
The companies have launched Emergency SOS via satellite, which allows users to send text messages and call emergency services even when off-grid and without cell phone or Wi-Fi coverage.
Here’s how it works:
Use emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone
Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite feature uses a satellite connection to link calls to emergency services. When you call or text emergency services and they can’t connect because you’re out of cellphone or Wi-Fi range, iPhone tries to connect via satellite.
Currently available for iPhone 14, 15, and 16 with iOS 18 or later. No setup required. Satellites move fast, have low bandwidth, and are located hundreds of miles from Earth, so users only need a clear view of the sky. Sending a message takes 30 seconds and can take more than a minute if the user is under a tree with light or medium foliage.
Apple is reminding users to make sure their iPhones are updated to the latest version of iOS before Milton makes landfall and to ensure satellite connectivity in the event of service outages due to the storm. The company says you will also need to set up information you want to share, such as your medical ID and emergency contact information.
How to set up a medical ID
- Open the Health app and[概要]Tap the tab.
- Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Tap Medical ID below your profile photo.
- To make your Medical ID available from your iPhone’s lock screen, turn on Show When Locked. In an emergency, we provide information to those seeking help. To share your medical ID with emergency responders:[緊急通報中に共有]Turn on. When you call or text emergency services with your iPhone or Apple Watch, your Medical ID is automatically shared with them.
- Tap Edit or Add next to the field you want to update. You can add details such as medications, allergies, illnesses, etc.
- Tap Done.
How to edit emergency contacts
- Open the Health app and[概要]Tap the tab.
- Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Tap “Medical ID” below your profile photo.
- Tap Edit next to Emergency Contacts.
- Tap the green plus button next to Add Emergency Contact. Tap a contact to add a relationship.
- To delete an emergency contact, click the red button next to the contact.[削除]Tap the button and[削除]Tap.
- Tap Done.
Send text messages on your iPhone via satellite.
- First, try calling your local emergency number To contact emergency services. You may be able to make calls even if your regular mobile carrier network is not available.
- If you can’t get through by phone, you can send a text message to emergency services via satellite. Certain local emergency numbers require iOS 16.4 or later to connect to emergency services via satellite.
- Tap Emergency Text via Satellite. If you need help in a non-emergency situation, you also have the option of contacting your roadside assistance provider (if available).[メッセージ]to text your local emergency number*, then[緊急サービス]You can also tap .
- Tap “Emergency call”.
- Use simple taps to answer the burning questions that best describe your situation.
- Choose to notify your emergency contacts that you have contacted emergency services, your location, and the nature of the emergency.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the satellite.
- Once connected, continue to follow the on-screen instructions to stay connected while sending a message to emergency services.
Apple says users can also find satellite features through the iPhone’s Control Center connectivity assistant by swiping down from the top right corner of the iPhone to open Control Center and tapping the Cellular button on the right. There is.[衛星]Tap[衛星経由の緊急 SOS]Select.[設定]open it[衛星]Tap[衛星経由の緊急 SOS]You can access it by selecting .
Get emergency assistance through Android satellite on your Google Pixel phone
Similar to Apple, some Android users can also communicate with emergency services via text via satellite. This feature is limited to Google Pixel models Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Users must also set Google Messages as their default messaging app. (If you change your default messaging app, you will receive a notification that Satellite eSOS will no longer be available.)
Access Android Satellite SOS
- Dial 911 immediately. If you don’t have a mobile or Wi-Fi network, you have the option to use satellite SOS in your dialer.
- Tap Satellite SOS > Use Satellite SOS > Start
- To describe your emergency situation, please fill out the Emergency Questionnaire.
- Answer the on-screen questions to share your emergency situation with your emergency contacts.
- To notify your emergency contacts, tap . notify.
- If you don’t want your emergency contacts to know your location or emergency information, tap . do not notify.
- To connect to the satellite, follow the on-screen instructions to position your phone correctly.
- Once connected, an emergency service provider will respond via text within minutes. (Connection and response times vary depending on location, site conditions, and other factors.)
- Once connected, an emergency service provider will respond via text within minutes.
- To receive a reply, be outdoors with a clear view of the sky.
- If you want to end the satellite text conversation, end Click the button and follow the prompts.
