The Weather Channel released its final prediction for hurricane season 2017 and now predicts a more active season than those past.

Here are some ways the ACTwireless community is preparing mobiles and tablets for use in an emergency:

Update Contacts: Save emergency phone numbers and email addresses in your smartphone for the local police, fire, hospital, vet, school, etc.

Charge Up: Charge batteries and carry a spare charger or extra battery pack to keep everything ready to go (and place the items in a waterproof bag!).

Stay Charged: It’s important to boost your smartphone’s battery life, even with a spare charger. Some suggestions:

• Use airplane mode when possible
• Close unused apps
• Reduce screen brightness and make your phone go to sleep faster
• When not in use, turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location-based services
• Adjust push settings on apps and emails. For example, set email to arrive manually or at less regular intervals

Medical ID: Many phones now offer a feature that allows first responders to access your important medical information. It gives access to emergency contacts and other important information such as blood type and medication allergies.

Have tips of your own? Send us a Facebook message (both myths and facts) and we’ll share them with the ACTwireless community!