Hurricane Irma +

We are hoping the best for all of our members and friends who live in Florida and the other involved states.  Many of our members have retired to the Sunshine State and are now in danger.  Keep them and everyone involved in your prayers.

• Learn about hurricane preparedness at the NOAA Website.  If you are preparing and think you thought of everything,  the NOAA site has checklists for you.
• If you have family or friends down there,  make a communication schedule to keep in touch.  Hourly,  or on some sort of schedule.  Remember everyone will be doing the same, so cell sites may get overloaded.  Maybe choose “on the 15’s or the 45’s 
• Text messages usually will go through, even though a phone call may not.  The messages may also be delayed,  so don’t panic.
• There are some smartphone apps you may want to use now.  Life360 is a family locator app which a family or (circle of friends) can join to keep in touch along with locator features using GPS.  Not perfect,  but a good idea.  (if you are “weary of being tracked”,  you can uninstall later, after the need has passed)
• A good app for communication is Zello.  This app is very popular during disasters. Read this article on the Zello walkie talkie.   Keep in touch by voice over the internet.
• Another app is Voxer. A good walkie talkie app as well.
  So prepare and get these apps now so in case your affected family and friends starts to use them,  you are prepared.  More info below.

From Voxer Website:

Voxer’s patented live audio messaging technology allows for fast communication to individuals and large groups with just the push-of-a-button. It’s a way to share real-time updates with voice, without relying on phone calls. Unlike a phone call, Voxer guarantees delivery of a message even if the mobile coverage or wifi connection is spotty.

When experiencing a weak signal, Voxer has a track record of keeping people connected. In addition, during periods of no connectivity, Voxer saves messages and automatically sends them when connectivity is restored. Xfinity is offering free access to its wifi hot spots to help residents and emergency personnel stay connected during Hurricane Irma. Voxer requires a data connection to send messages, either via Wifi or network carrier.

For more information on how Voxer can help you stay connected during Hurricane Irma, we have put together some practical information here.