As Hurricane Milton barrels towards the Florida coast, residents are bracing for impact.
With predictions of severe winds and heavy rainfall, it's crucial for those in the storm’s path to prepare and know how to communicate in case of emergencies.
In light of potential power outages and disrupted cellular services, knowing how to send a distress signal via satellite could be a lifesaver.
APPLE IPHONE
Apple’s new iOS 18 update brings a major feature to iPhone users that may help with communications as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida: the ability to send messages via satellite.
The feature is an expansion of the SOS via satellite feature introduced with the iPhone 14, allowing users to contact emergency services if cellular services are down. The new feature integrates with iMessage and allows you to send basic texts to your emergency contacts and family members. Note that all involved parties must have iOS 18 installed.
To use satellite connectivity, your iPhone must have compatible software. Your iPhone will have a Connection Assistant that provides onscreen instructions to connect.
Apple includes instructions on how to set everything up once you install the OS update:
- Open the phone’s settings; Navigate to the settings for the Messages app; Find the Satellite Connection Demo option and tap on it
To connect to a satellite, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
Apple officials say if this is an emergency situation and you do not have cellular services, users should rely on Emergency SOS, which also relies on satellite technology.
Click here for step by step instructions from Apple .
Google says satellite messaging is available on Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold only.
Google's Pixel 9 is the first Android phone to provide emergency messaging outside of cellular networks, allowing users to contact first responders and share location via satellite, without cellular service.
You'll first need to set Google Messages as your default messaging app to avail of the service. Then, to contact emergency services when you don’t have network coverage on your Pixel phone:
- Dial 911 immediately: If you don’t have a mobile or Wi-Fi network, you'll find an option to use Satellite SOS in the dialer.
- Tap Satellite SOS android satellite and then Use Satellite SOS and then Start.
- To describe your emergency, fill out the emergency questionnaire.
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To share your emergency with your emergency contacts, answer the on-screen questions.
- To notify your emergency contacts, tap Notify.
- If you don’t want your emergency contacts to receive your location and emergency information, tap Don’t notify.
- To connect to the satellite, follow the on-screen prompts to correctly position your phone.
- Once you’re connected, the emergency service provider should reply via text within a few minutes.
