In today’s increasingly uncertain world, being prepared for any situation is becoming more important than ever. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive review of the best smartphone apps for preppers. With these apps at your fingertips, you’ll have the tools and information you need to navigate through any emergency or survival scenario. From first aid guides to wilderness navigation, these apps are a must-have for anyone looking to ensure their smartphone is more than just a device for scrolling through social media. So, let’s dive into the world of smartphone survival and explore these essential apps that could prove to be a lifesaver in any situation.
Communication
Communication is crucial during any emergency or disaster situation. Having reliable communication apps on your smartphone can help you stay connected with your loved ones and emergency services. Here are some of the best communication apps that can be your lifeline during challenging times.
Zello
Zello is a free push-to-talk app that transforms your smartphone into a walkie-talkie. It allows you to communicate with individuals or groups instantaneously, even when there is no cellular network coverage. With Zello, you can create private channels for your family or friends, making it easier to coordinate and stay in touch during emergencies.
Signal
Signal is a secure messaging app that provides end-to-end encryption for your conversations. It ensures that your messages, voice calls, and video calls remain private and cannot be intercepted. Signal is widely respected for its commitment to user privacy and is recommended by security experts for secure communication during emergencies.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, offering text messaging, voice calls, and video calls. In addition to its user-friendly interface, WhatsApp also offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring the privacy and security of your communications. It allows you to create group chats with your loved ones or even join community groups focused on emergency preparedness.
Viber
Viber is another reliable messaging app that offers free calls, text messages, and video chats. With Viber, you can create public chat groups to connect with like-minded individuals interested in emergency preparedness. It also provides the option to make international calls at affordable rates, which can be useful in situations where you need to contact friends or family abroad.
Navigation
During an emergency, having access to accurate navigation tools can help you navigate through unfamiliar territory or find your way to safety. Here are some of the best navigation apps that can be your guiding compass in times of crisis.
Google Maps
Google Maps is a widely used navigation app that provides detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, and turn-by-turn directions. It can help you find the quickest routes to safety and navigate around road closures or traffic jams. The app also offers offline maps, which can be handy when you have limited or no internet access during emergencies.
MapFactor
MapFactor is a free navigation app that offers offline maps based on OpenStreetMap data. It provides voice-guided navigation, route planning, and real-time traffic updates. The app is particularly useful when you need to navigate in areas with poor internet connectivity or during situations where you want to conserve your smartphone’s battery life.
MAPS.ME
MAPS.ME is another popular offline mapping app that offers detailed maps and navigation without the need for an internet connection. The app allows you to search for specific locations, bookmark favorite places, and even plan routes offline. It is a reliable tool for navigating during emergencies when internet access may be limited or unavailable.
Spyglass
Spyglass is a powerful navigation app that offers augmented reality features, compass, GPS, and various map overlays. It can help you track your location, measure distances, and even find your way back to a specific point using its breadcrumb navigation feature. Spyglass is a comprehensive tool for navigating in both urban and wilderness environments.
Weather
Being aware of the weather conditions is vital for staying safe during emergencies. Having reliable weather apps on your smartphone can provide you with up-to-date forecasts, severe weather alerts, and valuable information to make informed decisions. Here are some of the best weather apps that can keep you ahead of the storm.
AccuWeather
AccuWeather is a popular weather app that provides hyper-local forecasts, severe weather alerts, and radar maps. It offers detailed hourly and 15-day forecasts, allowing you to plan your activities accordingly. AccuWeather’s MinuteCast feature provides minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts, which can be crucial during severe weather events.
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel app is a comprehensive weather tool that offers accurate forecasts, interactive radar maps, and severe weather alerts. It provides personalized weather updates based on your location, ensuring that you receive timely information about any approaching storms or hazardous conditions.
Dark Sky
Dark Sky is a unique weather app that focuses on hyper-local weather forecasts and minute-by-minute precipitation predictions. It utilizes a network of weather stations to provide highly accurate weather information for your specific location. Dark Sky also sends notifications for approaching rain or snow, helping you plan your activities accordingly.
Weather Underground
Weather Underground is a crowd-sourced weather app that combines data from thousands of weather stations worldwide. It offers comprehensive weather forecasts, interactive radar maps, and severe weather alerts. The app also provides access to user-submitted weather reports, giving you real-time updates from the ground.
Emergency Alerts
During emergencies, timely information is critical for making informed decisions and taking necessary actions. Emergency alert apps can provide you with essential updates, warnings, and instructions from local authorities or official emergency management agencies. Here are some of the best emergency alert apps to keep you informed and prepared.
FEMA
The FEMA app, developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, provides real-time alerts and information about different types of emergencies. It offers tips on how to prepare for emergencies, what to do during a disaster, and where to find local shelters or assistance. The app also allows you to report damage and request assistance directly from FEMA.
Red Panic Button
Red Panic Button is a simple yet effective emergency alert app that allows you to send distress signals to your trusted contacts with just a single tap. When activated, the app sends your current location and a predefined emergency message to your selected contacts via SMS, email, or social media. It can be a valuable tool for quickly notifying your loved ones in case of emergencies.
Disaster Alert
Disaster Alert is an app developed by the Pacific Disaster Center that provides real-time information about active hazards and disasters worldwide. It offers detailed maps, event summaries, and alerts for various types of emergencies, including earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and more. The app also provides links to official sources of information and resources for those affected.
Emergency Radio
Emergency Radio is an app that allows you to listen to live police, fire, EMS, and other emergency services radio transmissions from around the world. It provides access to thousands of radio stations, including those specifically dedicated to emergency channels. The app can be particularly useful for monitoring the situation during emergencies and staying informed about ongoing response efforts.
First Aid
Being equipped with basic first aid knowledge is essential for providing immediate help to yourself or others during emergencies. First aid apps can provide step-by-step instructions, videos, and illustrations for responding to different medical situations. Here are some of the best first aid apps that can be your virtual first aid kit in times of need.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross app offers a comprehensive set of first aid instructions, safety tips, and information about emergencies and disasters. It provides step-by-step guides for responding to common medical emergencies, including CPR, choking, burns, and more. The app also includes a hospital locator feature to help you find the nearest medical facilities wherever you are.
St. John Ambulance
The St. John Ambulance app offers easy-to-follow first aid instructions for a variety of medical emergencies. It provides step-by-step guides, videos, and images for responding to situations such as heart attacks, seizures, fractures, and more. The app also offers useful features like an interactive body map to help you locate injuries and a CPR timer to assist you during resuscitation.
WebMD
WebMD, a trusted source of medical information, offers a comprehensive first aid app that provides expert-reviewed content for responding to various emergencies. It offers step-by-step instructions, videos, and illustrations for dealing with injuries, poisoning, allergic reactions, and other medical situations. The app also includes a symptom checker feature to help you assess health issues quickly.
First Aid – American Health Journal
First Aid by the American Health Journal is an app that provides detailed first aid information presented in a user-friendly format. It offers step-by-step guides for responding to medical emergencies, along with videos and illustrations for better understanding. The app also allows you to customize your first aid kit checklist and store important emergency contacts.
Food and Water
Ensuring an adequate supply of food and water is crucial during emergencies when access to resources may be limited. Food and water apps can help you plan and manage your supplies, find safe water sources, and even identify edible plants in the wild. Here are some of the best food and water apps to keep you nourished during challenging times.
Food Planner
Food Planner is a comprehensive app that helps you plan and manage your meals, create shopping lists, and track your food inventory. During emergencies, Food Planner can be a valuable tool for organizing your food supplies and ensuring that you have enough provisions to sustain you and your loved ones. The app also offers various recipes and meal planning features to help you make the most of your resources.
Water Alert
Water Alert is an app that helps you track your water consumption and reminds you to stay hydrated. During emergencies, when access to clean water may be limited, staying properly hydrated becomes even more crucial. Water Alert can assist you in monitoring your water intake and remind you to drink regularly, ensuring that you maintain optimal hydration levels.
Food Network Kitchen
Food Network Kitchen is a popular cooking app that offers thousands of recipes and cooking classes taught by celebrity chefs. During emergencies, when you may need to rely on non-perishable food items or ingredients with a longer shelf life, Food Network Kitchen can help you prepare delicious and nutritious meals using available resources. The app also provides tips for food storage and preservation.
PlantNet
PlantNet is a plant identification app that can be a useful tool for foraging or identifying edible plants in the wild. During emergencies, when food supplies may be scarce, knowing which plants are safe to eat can improve your chances of finding alternative food sources. PlantNet allows you to take photos of plants and provides information about their characteristics, helping you identify potential food sources in nature.
Shelter
Finding safe and secure shelter is crucial during emergencies to protect yourself and your loved ones from the elements and potential dangers. Shelter apps can help you locate temporary accommodations, campsites, or even connect with hosts who offer safe havens. Here are some of the best shelter apps that can assist you in finding suitable accommodations during emergencies.
Airbnb
Airbnb is a popular accommodation booking app that allows you to find and book unique places to stay around the world. During emergencies, Airbnb can be a helpful resource for finding temporary shelter or connecting with hosts who offer safe accommodations. The app provides various filters and search options to help you find suitable places based on your specific needs and preferences.
Camping and RV App
The Camping and RV app is a comprehensive tool for finding campsites, RV parks, and other outdoor accommodations. It provides information about amenities, reviews, and directions to help you choose the right location for your temporary shelter needs. The app also offers offline access to maps and campground details, making it useful even when there is no internet connectivity.
HotelTonight
HotelTonight is a last-minute hotel booking app that offers discounted rates for same-day bookings. During emergencies, when you may need to find immediate shelter, HotelTonight can help you secure a room at a nearby hotel at a lower price. The app provides information about available rooms, reviews, and ratings to help you make informed decisions quickly.
Boondockers Welcome
Boondockers Welcome is a community-driven platform that connects travelers with hosts who offer free overnight parking or boondocking options. During emergencies, Boondockers Welcome can be a valuable resource for finding safe places to park your RV or camper temporarily. The app allows you to search for hosts based on location, availability, and amenities offered.
Self-Defense
In emergency situations, personal safety and self-defense become top priorities. Apps that provide self-defense resources and training can empower you to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some of the best self-defense apps that can enhance your personal safety during challenging times.
NRA
The National Rifle Association (NRA) app provides valuable resources for firearm education, training, and personal protection. It offers safety tips, instructional videos, and information about responsible gun ownership. The app also provides access to NRA-certified instructors and shooting ranges, helping you acquire the necessary skills for self-defense if you choose to utilize firearms.
Pepper Spray Simulator
Pepper Spray Simulator is a virtual reality app that allows you to experience the effects of pepper spray through your smartphone. It provides a realistic simulation of being sprayed, helping you understand how it affects your vision and ability to defend yourself. The app can be a valuable tool for familiarizing yourself with the effects of pepper spray before using it for self-defense.
Taser
Taser is an app developed by Axon, the leading provider of less-lethal self-defense weapons. It offers information about various Taser products, their features, and how to use them safely. The app also provides guidelines for self-defense situations and contact information for customer support and law enforcement agencies.
Krav Maga
Krav Maga is a self-defense system originally developed for the Israeli military and now taught worldwide. The Krav Maga app provides instructional videos and tutorials for learning essential self-defense techniques. It offers step-by-step guides for defending against common attacks, improving your situational awareness, and enhancing your overall personal safety.
Survival Guides
Survival guides are invaluable resources for learning essential skills and techniques necessary for surviving challenging situations. These apps provide comprehensive guides, tips, and knowledge for staying safe and prepared in various environments and scenarios. Here are some of the best survival guide apps to help you become a true prepper.
Wilderness Survival
Wilderness Survival is an app that provides detailed information and guides for surviving in the wild. It offers instructions on building shelters, starting fires, purifying water, finding food, and navigating through wilderness areas. The app includes illustrations, videos, and quizzes to help you learn and practice essential survival skills.
SAS Survival Guide
The SAS Survival Guide is based on the bestselling book by former British Special Air Service (SAS) soldier John “Lofty” Wiseman. The app provides comprehensive information and techniques for surviving various emergencies and challenging situations. It covers topics such as shelter construction, navigation, first aid, signaling, and more. The app also includes a survival quiz and survival diary feature.
The Ultimate Survival Manual
The Ultimate Survival Manual app offers practical tips, expert advice, and detailed guides for surviving different situations. It covers a wide range of topics, including natural disasters, urban emergencies, first aid, food procurement, and psychological preparedness. The app also provides interactive quizzes and survival challenges to test your knowledge and skills.
Boy Scout Handbook
The Boy Scout Handbook app is a digital version of the official handbook used by the Boy Scouts of America. It offers a wealth of information and instructional guides for outdoor skills, first aid, navigation, and survival techniques. The app covers essential topics for wilderness survival and can be a valuable resource for learning and mastering vital survival skills.
Toolkits
Having access to comprehensive toolkits can significantly enhance your preparedness during emergencies. Toolkits apps provide a collection of resources, checklists, and guides for various aspects of emergency preparedness, ranging from survival skills to essential gear and supplies. Here are some of the best toolkit apps to help you be ready for anything.
Army Survival Guide
The Army Survival Guide app is a digital version of the U.S. Army’s official survival manual. It offers valuable insights, techniques, and instructions for surviving in extreme conditions and hostile environments. The app covers topics such as shelter construction, fire-making, water procurement, food preparation, and more. It can be a veritable survival bible for serious preppers.
Survivalpedia
Survivalpedia is an app that provides a vast collection of survival tips, tricks, and techniques. It covers a wide range of topics, including survival skills, emergency preparedness, self-defense, first aid, food storage, and more. With its extensive database of survival knowledge, Survivalpedia can be your go-to resource for all things related to survival and preparedness.
Bug Out Bag Checklist
The Bug Out Bag (BOB) Checklist app helps you create and organize your emergency kit or bug out bag. It provides a comprehensive list of essential gear and supplies needed for surviving during emergencies. The app allows you to customize your checklist based on your specific needs and preferences, ensuring that you are prepared for any situation.
Disaster Readiness Guide
The Disaster Readiness Guide app offers a wealth of information, checklists, and tips for preparing for and responding to various types of emergencies. It covers topics such as emergency planning, evacuation, communication, first aid, and self-defense. The app also provides links to official sources of information and additional resources for further preparedness education.
In conclusion, smartphone apps can be valuable tools for preppers, providing essential communication, navigation, weather alerts, first aid, food and water management, shelter finding, self-defense, survival guides, and comprehensive toolkits in one compact device. By installing the right combination of apps, you can be better prepared to face emergencies and protect yourself and your loved ones. Always ensure that you have adequate battery backup, download offline maps and resources, and regularly update your apps to make the most of their features. Stay safe, be prepared, and remember to have your smartphone survival apps ready at all times!