As we get ready for an epic winter storm, don’t forget to prepare your digital devices as well. There’s still time to get your phones, laptops, and tablets ready for the meteorological wrath to come. Here are some tips from AT&T and Verizon Wireless:
• Charge everything: Keep all your devices fully charged, so they’ll be ready in case of a power outage. This includes external battery packs for cell phones, and rechargeable flashlight batteries. Also, you can save power by switching off features you’re not using, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
• Light it up: Get a flashlight app for your smartphone, for emergency illumination. This feature is built into the latest version of Apple iPhone software, but it’s easy to find free Android flashlight apps, like this one.
• Make a communications plan: If you’ve got relatives outside of the storm zone, ask one of them to act as a contact for the entire family. If there’s a problem, call this person first. Be sure to share this contact number with all family members, and urge them to use it. Also, store vital emergency numbers -- fire, police, paramedic, neighbors, other family members -- in the address books of all your phones, just in case.
• Stay off the line, unless you must: Cellular networks get slammed during emergencies. So no long phone calls to Grandma. Make your calls brief. Where possible, send text messages or e-mails instead.
• Stay informed: Use online resources to keep up with the latest weather news. Consider downloading specialized news, weather, and disaster relief apps. For instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency offers an app for Apple iOS and Android devices, where you can get advice on how to cope and where to find help.
Hiawatha Bray can be reached at hiawatha.bray@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeTechLab.