Using mobile phones in mountain emergencies
The mobile phone, that tiny device that fits in your pocket, can be our work tool, our communication tool or the main source of our entertainment. However, it can also be life-saving, and can be very useful in emergencies involving oneself or someone nearby. For example, when an accident occurs, when extreme weather conditions prevent you from moving, or simply when you are lost or disoriented.These devices can be used to improve or remedy the situation.
Basic tips for using a mobile phone in emergencies.
Nowadays, almost everyone carries a mobile phone in their pocket; we rarely forget to take it. What we do forget is the role they can play in adverse situations. Consequently, to reduce the bad habits that are common among mobile phone users, and to have your phone ready when you need it, it is advisable to follow the tips below.
Don't make unnecessary calls.
Unnecessary use of telephone calls can have consequences that one does not expect. Let's take the example of a meteorological catastrophe such as an earthquake. You are in the street, and you feel a big shake, and you see buildings falling down and everything breaking. Once you are in a safe place, what would your reaction be? Many would surely react by picking up their mobile phone to call close family or friends to relay the situation they are in. However, if everyone did the same, phone lines would be jammed and consequently blocked. Telephone networks are not prepared to receive peak traffic during an emergency situation. Consequently, blocking would make it difficult to contact the emergency services, and chaos would increase. Therefore, remember that it is advisable not to make phone calls unless strictly necessary in an emergency situation.. You can use other means of communication such as social networks or text messages, known as SMS. These do not cause the networks to block, because the connections are punctual and not constant.
The mobile phone is not a walkie talkie.
There is a myth, which is partly true, that there are applications that allow communication between mobiles in situations where there is no coverage. It is true that when there is no coverage, or when the mobile phone is blocked, it is possible to make emergency calls. This is achieved because even if there is no coverage in the area where you are, there are mobile networks around you. Mobile phones make use of these networks in order to make calls. However, if you are somewhere very remote, in a large forest for example, or at high altitude, it is likely that your mobile phone will not be able to connect to any network. Therefore, do not believe all the services that some applications offer, and remember that mobile phones are not walkie talkies. In such situations the best thing to do is to write an SMS and wait for the mobile to find some signal. in order to send it.
Check your mobile phone battery.
We can do everything with our mobile phone, as long as the battery allows it. Always remember that mobile phone autonomy is not infinite. In case you are in remote places such as the mountains, and you plan to be away from home for a long time, it is advisable to carry an external battery in your backpack. This extra battery can be useful in inconvenient situations, and remember that in areas where coverage and connection are poor, battery life is often shorter than normal. However, follow these guidelines tips on how to extend battery life:
- As far as possible, reduce the screen brightness. Also, remember to uncheck the automatic brightness adjustment.
- Disconnect connections that you are not using, such as the wifi or bluetoth,
- Configure your device to only make use of 3G connections. 4G connections are faster but consume more battery power.
- Activate the aeroplane mode of your mobile phone. This will disable many functions that may be unnecessary at the time, and the battery will be much less drained.
Use your mobile phone to find your way around.
Most mobile phones currently on the market have services to help you find your way around. If you find yourself disoriented or lost, thanks to your mobile phone you will be able to find the right way. Many of the mobiles, even if we don't know it, usually have a compass which serves its sole purpose: to point north. In case your phone doesn't have one, there are many space-saving applications that fulfil this function.
On the other hand, mobile phones are also often equipped with GPS. Or you will have the opportunity to install an application to facilitate this function. Thanks to this signal that is emitted via satellite, you can open maps to guide you, or you can simply emit the signal of your location. Regardless of where you are or the weather, the mobile phone will continue to emit signals so that you can be found more easily. The margin of error of these signals is only a few metres. However, it should be noted that the use of these maps considerably reduces the battery life of the mobile phone..
Protect and care for your mobile.
As you never know what might happen, it is advisable to limit the use of your phone. For example, if you are in the mountains, don't be constantly looking at social media, or talking on the phone. Try to enjoy the moment, and forget about the phone, which you may need later. Also, try to take good care of it, so that you can extending its life. For example, do not immerse your mobile phone in water (even if it is designed to do so), avoid exposure to extreme temperaturesIf you carry it in your pocket, put the screen facing your thigh to avoid bumps... Mobile phones are quite delicate devices and it is important to take the best possible care of them, so that they perform at their best when you need them the most.
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