The Power of Text 911 and Preserving Phone Battery    

When heading into the great outdoors, you may feel excited and invigorated by the thought of unplugging and getting away from it all. However, it's important to remember that technology can be your best friend in emergency situations. One of the most innovative ways to utilize technology in the wild is by using Text 911. This new service allows you to text emergency services when you're in an area that doesn't have voice service. In this post, we'll explore the benefits of text 911 and how to preserve your phone's battery to ensure it's ready when you need it most. 

Understanding Text 911 

When most of us think of calling 911, we think about picking up our phone and dialing the three digits. However, it's not always that simple when you're in the outdoors. That's when Text 911 comes in handy. This service allows you to send a text message to 911 when voice service isn't available. This could be due to bad weather, low cell service, or a variety of other reasons. It's important to remember that Text 911 isn't available in all areas, so make sure to check if it's available where you're heading. An added bonus of text 911 is that it allows for discreet communication during an emergency, which can be a crucial factor in some situations. 

An important note here is that it doesn’t matter what carrier you have. You can always use text 911 regardless of the carrier that is providing the service. 

Why Preserving Phone Battery Is Crucial 

When traveling in the wild, your phone can be a lifeline. From GPS navigation to weather updates to contacting emergency services, your phone can be a valuable tool. However, your phone is only as good as its battery life. That's why it's essential to take steps to preserve your phone's battery. This includes turning off non-essential apps and functions, using airplane mode, and keeping your phone in a protective case that can help maintain battery life in extreme temperatures. You can’t always avoid extreme temperatures but with a protective phone case it doesn’t matter.

You can also take your mobile phone off of auto brightness and set it low. This will improve battery drain and keep your phone closer to fully charged as the device uses far less power when it doesn’t need to illuminate a bright screen.   

Power Banks and Solar Chargers 

While taking steps to preserve your phone's battery life is crucial, you'll want to have a backup plan in case your phone does die. Investing in a power bank or solar charger can be a lifesaver. Power banks are portable batteries that can charge your phone when you're on the go. Some offer fast charging that can provide a full charge in a limited amount of time. 

Solar chargers utilize the sun's energy to charge your phone. While both options can help keep your phone charged, it's important to remember that they also have limitations. Both products require adequate sunlight to work, and power banks need to be charged ahead of time. The name of the game is preserving battery power but these two items can really save you in a pinch.

The Benefits of Offline Maps

When heading into the great outdoors, it's important to have an understanding of the area you'll be exploring. However, even with GPS, your phone may not always be able to connect to the internet. This is where offline maps come in. Many apps now allow you to download maps ahead of time, which can be accessed even without internet service. This can be a great way to stay on track during your trip and to avoid getting lost. 

Tips for Alerting Emergency Services 

In the event of an emergency, you want to ensure that emergency services can find you as quickly as possible. This means being specific about your location and staying put. If you have to move, make sure to leave markers behind so that rescuers can find you. Additionally, be sure to let someone know your travel plans before you leave, including where you're going and when you plan to return. 

When you're heading into the outdoors, it's essential to take steps to stay safe, and technology can go a long way in helping you do that. From utilizing Text 911 to preserving your phone's battery life to downloading offline maps, there are plenty of ways to stay prepared for emergency situations. Remember to do your research ahead of time to ensure you have access to all the tools you need for a successful and safe trip.