Introduction
Old smartphones can be valuable tools for preppers when used creatively. Here are six practical applications that can enhance your emergency preparedness plan. By repurposing your old phone, you can ensure you have access to essential tools and information even when traditional devices fail.
Visual Inspection
Use the camera zoom feature (on high-quality phones) to scan surroundings for threats during a bug-out situation. This can help you spot potential dangers like wildlife, obstacles, or other hazards. Note that this is ineffective in low-light conditions, so consider carrying a small flashlight or headlamp. Additionally, you can use the camera’s night mode or flash to enhance visibility in dark environments. Ensure your phone has a good battery life and consider carrying a portable charger or solar-powered charger to keep your phone powered during extended use.
Digital Document Backup
Store critical documents (IDs, medical records) digitally on your phone as a backup to physical copies in a binder. Ensure these documents are securely stored in a password-protected folder or app. This way, if your physical documents are lost or damaged, you still have access to important information. You can also use apps like Evernote or Google Drive to store and organize these documents. Make sure to regularly update these digital backups with any new or changed documents.
eBook Library
Save survival guides and manuals from Kindle or other platforms for portable reading during emergencies. Choose titles that cover essential skills like first aid, wilderness survival, and basic mechanics. Ensure you have a reliable e-reader app installed and that your phone has enough storage space to accommodate these resources. Consider downloading books in PDF format for better compatibility and space efficiency. You can also use apps like Pocket or Instapaper to save articles and guides for offline reading.
Emergency Communication
Even without service, older phones can make 911 calls. Keep a backup phone in your bug-out bag for this purpose. Additionally, download apps like WhatsApp or Signal that can operate over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to communicate with others in your network without relying on cellular service. Ensure your phone has a good battery life and consider carrying a portable charger or solar-powered charger to keep your phone powered during extended use. You can also use apps like FireChat or Bridgefy to communicate over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi without an internet connection.
Flashlight Alternative
Use the built-in flashlight app (available on Android and iOS) as a temporary lighting solution until you can afford dedicated flashlights. Ensure your phone has a good battery life and consider carrying a portable charger or solar-powered charger to keep your phone powered during extended use. You can also use apps like Flashlight+ or LED Flashlight to customize the brightness and color temperature of your phone’s flashlight. Consider carrying a small, lightweight solar panel to charge your phone during daylight hours.
Offline Navigation
Download offline maps and GPS apps to use for route finding when traditional navigation tools fail. Apps like Google Maps and Gaia GPS offer offline map downloads for specific regions. Make sure to download maps of the areas you might need to navigate before an emergency occurs. You can also use apps like Maps.me or OsmAnd to download detailed maps of your local area. Ensure your phone has enough storage space to accommodate these large files and consider using a microSD card for additional storage.
Summary
Repurposing old smartphones for emergency preparedness can provide you with valuable tools for visual inspection, digital document backup, eBook access, emergency communication, flashlight alternatives, and offline navigation. By leveraging these features, you can enhance your preparedness plan and increase your chances of survival in a variety of scenarios.