A scene that’s common in most horror and thriller flicks is one where someone’s phone goes out of service or can’t find a signal. This then becomes a serious plot device that advances the story.

While this scenario could be easily averted if they just had a Holiday eSIM prepaid plan that offers rock-solid coverage in over 190 countries, it would only make for a very short movie.

However, the idea of being cut off from the world because of poor network coverage is very real and the chances of you running into emergencies are high, especially if you are the kind of traveller who likes to explore strange and exotic lands.

That’s why we compiled a list of must-have apps that are literal lifesavers in this post. Just remember to grab these next time you’re off on a pulse-pounding adventure and get that extra peace of mind.

Emergency by American Red Cross

Counted among the premier emergency apps for both Android and iPhone, this application delivers vital first-aid alerts to its users. Developed by the American Red Cross, it serves as a comprehensive resource offering various first aid and emergency alerts. Particularly useful in scenarios where reaching a hospital is challenging, the app equips users with fundamental treatment measures to mitigate their condition until professional medical assistance can be obtained.

Notably, the app seamlessly integrates with a suite of every day and disaster-focused apps. From the First Aid and Pet Aid apps to the Emergency, Hurricane, Earthquake, and Tornado apps, it stands as an all-encompassing solution for diverse emergencies. An additional emergency section covers crucial information on disease prevention and control, spanning allergies, bleeding, heart attacks, diabetes, and more.

Features

Guided first aid instructions

Offers detailed guidance for various first aid crises, including household accidents, through step-by-step instructions.

Expert guidance

Delivers expert advice in the form of videos and interactive quizzes, enhancing user understanding and preparedness.

Customizable weather alerts

Allows users to tailor 40 different weather alerts according to their preferences, receiving instant notifications for personalized weather updates.

Interactive map for emergencies

In emergencies, the app features an interactive map guiding users to the nearest Red Cross emergency shelter.

Accessibility

Designed to be inclusive, the app is accessible to individuals with disabilities through voice control, ensuring a user-friendly experience for all.

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Life 360

This app can be indispensable for parents who would want to keep track of their children in real time, especially when they are in unfamiliar lands. It provides real-time monitoring and safety alerts, primarily functioning as a location tracker.

Features

Private map and real-time alerts

Utilizes a private map to pinpoint the locations of loved ones, facilitating real-time alerts that keep us informed about the safety of friends and family

Location sharing and communication

Enables seamless location sharing and connection with friends and family through features like photo sharing and text messaging.

Emergency GPS Finder

In critical situations, the app can report the exact whereabouts of friends and relatives through a state-of-the-art GPS finder, ensuring swift response in emergencies.

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Zello Walkie Talkie

If you ever want to turn your phone into a walkie-talkie, this is the app for you! Featuring over 150 million users worldwide, the app has established itself as a popular push-to-talk (PTT) walkie-talkie application. While not your typical emergency call app, it has found its niche as a means to stay connected, especially for the elderly and children, doubling as an effective tool in crises. Functioning akin to a radio, the app allows users to reach out to individuals or groups for assistance.

Features

Free to use

Internet-Based

With no range restrictions, it operates over the internet, connecting users globally in real time.

Global connectivity

Links users worldwide through live voice communication, fostering efficient communication during environmental disasters and streamlining search and rescue efforts.

Multimedia capability

Enables the sharing of images to promptly alert authorities during emergencies.

Location and notification

In case of emergencies, a simple button press facilitates the transmission of locations and notifications.

Compatibility with wearables

Features a text messaging function compatible with Apple and Android Wear watches, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

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Offline Survival Manual

True to its name, this app stands out as a top choice for Android users seeking vital survival tips for emergencies. Essentially a digital field manual, it covers a spectrum of information, ranging from shelter construction and plant identification to fire-making techniques and basic medicine. If you are someone who likes to venture into the wild, this can prove indispensable for you. Notably, this application is not only free but also accessible from anywhere worldwide.

Features

Identification of Life-saving plants

Educates you on finding medicinal plants crucial for survival in environmental hazards and injuries. However, we strongly recommend calling in the national emergency services of wherever you are first in the event you run into any life-threatening situations

Comprehensive guides

Learn all about survival kits, basic medicine, obtaining water, creating fire, and constructing shelters.

Works offline

If you ever come across a situation where your well-being depends on this app, we can imagine you not having connectivity as well. But luckily, the app works offline.

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FEMA App (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

The FEMA mobile application is essential when it comes to being prepared for emergencies, offering real-time alerts to users before, during, and after disasters. The app gives you updates on imminent threats such as severe weather, floods, hurricanes, fires, and a myriad of other calamities.

Simply give the app access to your location and you will receive tailored alerts for emergencies in your vicinity. Despite its somewhat outdated user interface, the FEMA mobile app remains user-friendly, making it an accessible and indispensable tool for those seeking to enhance their emergency readiness.

Features

Real-time alerts

Receive timely notifications for severe weather conditions, tropical disturbances, winter weather, marine alerts, and potential disasters like floods, avalanches, fires, and more.

Safety alerts

Stay informed during critical situations such as fires, civil hazards, 911 phone outages, explosions, riots, evacuations, and shelter-in-place orders.

Resource Guidance

Access valuable disaster resources including information on shelters, disaster relief centres, first aid kits, and other essential services.

Download links

Conclusion

In the unpredictable world of travel, ensuring safety and preparedness is paramount. Although these essential emergency apps can prove valuable during your adventures, you should ALWAYS contact the local emergency services wherever you are in.