The Red Cross has developed several apps that can be useful in an emergency with some features not needing internet access, but of course still needing battery power (it has a flashlight feature and a search feature for local shelters).
You can search for “Red Cross Preparedness” on iTunes for the iPhone or Google Play for Android phones. Please check it out yourself before sending it on to the students. Both my children are in apartments (the other in NYC) and I particularly like that the app has a shelter locator on it and first aid type info in the app itself, not needing the internet to search for what to do.
It also has an “I’m Safe” feature that can automatically post to their social media (and Mom!). It’s a new app, so I’m sure it still leaves something to be desired, but I think it’s better than nothing. Of course, they will need battery power in order to access it. A reminder to the students to keep their electronics fully charged over the next few days wouldn’t hurt. http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/hurricane-app
