3 Essential Tech Tips for Creators to Stay Connected During a Disaster

My family is okay. Our home is okay. We are incredibly fortunate to have been minimally impacted by Hurricane Helene. We never lost water, and we got power and Wi-Fi back on October 3.

Just 15 minutes away from us, the communities of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock have been decimated. If you want a firsthand account, watch this video. It’s representative of the reality in that area now.

In Episode 279, I’ll be talking more in depth about tech in a disaster, but I thought I’d share 3 of my biggest takeaways with you today!

  1. Manage power with low power mode and multi-charging options

    Conserving power is critical. Make sure you activate or create an automation that keeps your devices in low power mode.

    Manually go into your phone settings and turn off most cellular connectivity for your apps. Only keep the most critical ones using cellular.

    One of the biggest drains on power is your device constantly trying to connect to networks, and when they don’t exist anymore, it becomes a massive issue.

    Anytime you’re not actively sending a text or making a call, switch your phone to airplane mode.

    BONUS: Don’t just rely on rechargeable battery packs—ensure you have devices that can also run on standard batteries. If you do nothing else today, go buy batteries!

  2. Download critical content for offline access

    If you know something is coming, DOWNLOAD. Streaming or cloud services during emergencies are like Jimmy Choos in a landslide. Download essential content ahead of time.

    For example, set your favorite podcasts to automatically download the latest episodes as soon as they’re released. That way, even if you forget, your favorites are already there when you need them.

    Additionally, consider downloading your favorite audiobooks. I have all 58 hours of The Complete Sherlock Holmes downloaded because, duh, Sherlock Holmes. Plus, Simon Vance’s narration is dreamy and helps me fall asleep. Also, download music and any other important media.

    You may not be up to date on the latest, but you will be entertained.

  3. Have backup communication tools

    Phones are great—until there’s no internet or cellular service. Without connectivity, your smartphone becomes a fancy media device with a handful of helpful features.

    But it’s useless for actual communication.

    Always have a backup communication method.

    Walkie-talkies are a reliable alternative for staying in touch with family and folks in close proximity when cellular networks go down. When texting or calling is impossible, they’re a lifesaver.

    BONUS: If you don’t have a weather radio or another battery-powered radio, get one today. They are a must-have for receiving critical information when the infrastructure fails.

    BONUS 2: Consider investing in Starlink hardware or a similar satellite-based device, just to have as a backup. When the ground around you is leveled, all that magical fiber becomes irrelevant.

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Low Power Mode: A Core Teaching for Creators

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