Tech tools can help prepare you for disaster

Power blackouts and poorly thoughtout evacuation alert systems have left Californians without critical information during natural disasters in the past.

But there are some free apps for your phone, numbers to text, systems to register for and technology to buy that could ensure that you have the most accurate and uptodate information when disaster strikes, even during a power blackout.

To best ensure you get critical information when you most need it, it’s best to choose a diverse range of disaster preparedness technology options in case any one particular solution fails. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also reminds people that mobile networks can become overwhelmed in a crisis, and it is often easier to receive information via text than over a phone call or on an app during those times.

All of these apps are available for iOS in the Apple App Store or Android in the Google Play store unless otherwise indicated.

Free apps

MyShake: The MyShake app will send ShakeAlert earthquake warnings to enrolled Californians. The app broadcasts earthquake early warnings issued by the state’s ShakeAlert system, which uses a network of earthquake detectors to provide seconds of early warning of a quake. Android phone users will receive the ShakeAlert warnings regardless of whether they have downloaded the app because of a partnership between Google and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. FEMA Mobile: The federal disaster relief agency’s official app will allow you to set weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations within the United States, which provide information about wildfire risks, dangerous storms and heat waves. You can also share emergency alerts, prepare a disaster checklist and learn preparedness tips. The app is also available in Spanish.

American Red Cross: The nonprofit provides a number of free emergency alert apps for download, including an allinclusive Emergency app and one specifically for earthquakes. Other apps also include one called First Aid, which provides information if you need to render first aid.

Zello: This app can turn your phone into a walkietalkie, allowing you and anyone else with the app to communicate via short audio messages. It can be a helpful way to stay connected to others during an emergency, or to make quick contact with separated family members.

50 Radio Police Scanner: You can listen to live police scanners using this free app, including San Francisco’s City Police Dispatch and San Francisco fire and emergency medical services. Police scanners can sometimes provide useful information during natural disasters.

Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle Citizen journalist Sarah Stierch checks an alert on her cell phone as she monitors scanners in Sonoma. Having safety apps downloaded can help chances of survival in an emergency.