We live in a world where life-threatening weather events are becoming more common and severe.
Federal agencies expect widespread devastation and potential loss of life fromthose unwilling or unable to evacuate.
This year, with thePixel 9, Google introduced Emergency Satellite SOS.
You’ll need to stay in the a space where you can visualize the satellite you’re connected to with both iPhone and Pixel 9.© Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
If you were lucky enough to upgrade, you could jump into the new service for free.
TheNational Weather Servicesays wind speeds of over 75 miles per hour can break glass or destroy roofs.
Its best to consider your phones satellite connectivity a last resort when everything else has failed.
Currently,itsup to every individual Android makerto create their own satellite connectivity.
If you dont have any of the necessary devices, there are other options.
Motorola sells aDefy satellite communicatorthat can work with either iPhones or Android.
We also recommend downloading the FEMA app oniOSorAndroid.
This will give you access to data about shelters.
Youll also want to be on iOS 16.4 and preferablyiOS 18.
Usually, the feature works in case of a fall or car collisionto alert emergency services orroadside assistance automatically.
If it fails to connect, you might useEmergency Text via satellite.
This will allow you to contact emergency services via text.
it’s crucial that you hitReport Emergency, then answer the on-screen prompts.
Alternatively, you’re able to text emergency services or other contacts directly with satellite messages.
Then tap theCellular buttonon the right, which looks like a small antenna.
After that, chooseSatelliteandEmergency SOS via satellite.
If youre messaging friends not on iPhone, it will default to SMS, according to Apple.
We should also mention that iOS 18 has the option for livevideo calling with emergency services.
This only works with participating U.S. operators and requires a good internet connection.
That includes establishing a Medical ID in Apples Health app.
This allows the phone to contact loved ones in case you oughta reach emergency services.
First, enter theHealth App, tap on your profile picture, and tapMedical ID.
you’ve got the option to also add moreEmergency Contactsstraight from yourContactslist and onto your Medical ID.
If they have Android, the emergency contacts will get a text message instead of thenumber 767911.
Your emergency contacts must respond YES before receiving your name, location, and transcript provided to emergency services.
They are the only Android phones currently with Googles specific satellite features.
The feature also currently doesnt work in Alaska or Hawaii.
You also need to use Google Messages to use the satellite messaging.
Use thePersonal Safety appto set up contacts.
This app also offers real-time location sharing via WiFi or carrier connection and GPS status sharing.
Like the iPhone, it’s possible for you to call 911 with your regular phone app.
If that fails, youll see an option to dial withSatellite SOS.
Hit that button, thenUse Satellite SOS, thenStart.
Users then need to fill out a series of questions to help notify emergency responders about their status.
Google will then ask you to follow on-screen prompts to position your phone.
It may take some time to send a long message via satellite and receive a response.
Google says this may take a few minutes.
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