Hurricane Milton Preparedness - Upgrade Your Mobile Device Software for Emergency CommunicationsIn anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s impact, we want to emphasize the importance of the following safety measures. Due to damaged infrastructure and congestion, we are likely to encounter communication issues, making these precautions crucial for our well-being.

If You Have an Android Device:

Ensure your operating system and apps are updated to the latest version. Depending on your model, the latest updates may add the ability to communicate with emergency services, SMS, and more via satellite if service outages occur.

  • To update: Go to your Settings and then to the Google Play Store to check for any available updates.

If You Have an iPhone 14 or Later:

Upgrade to iOS 18, as it allows communication with emergency services, SMS, and more via satellite if service outages occur.

  • Connect to WIFI.
  • Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update.
  • If you haven’t updated your iOS in a while, you may be required to install an intermediary version before iOS 18 appears (usually at the bottom of the screen).

After Completing the Upgrade:

Remember to update all the apps on your device. This is important as the new iOS version may have compatibility issues with older app versions.

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Press your finger on the screen and pull down to force a refresh of available updates.
  3. Scroll down to see the “Upcoming and Automatic Updates” list and select “Update All.”

Charge Your Mobile Devices:

  • Fully charge your devices to prepare for potential power outages.
  • Close any unneeded apps that consume battery power, as conserving energy is crucial during emergencies when charging opportunities may be limited.

Share This Information:

Please share the above with your teams. Everyone must be prepared and informed about these safety measures, which will help you stay connected and safe during the hurricane.