Home and safety preparations for those in Hurricane Sandy’s path should include making smartphones and other mobile devices storm-ready, according to financial services provider USAA.

“As soon as a hurricane or severe storm becomes a threat, boarding windows and stocking food and water supplies are priority one,” says Ramon Lopez, executive director of catastrophe operations at USAA. “But taking a couple minutes to update your mobile devices with key information can provide an invaluable lifeline and peace of mind in its aftermath.”

Getting the Most from Your Mobile Device Before, During and After a Storm

Extreme weather can disrupt communication channels, making mobile devices essential tools to keep in touch with family as well as with response and recovery efforts. USAA offers these tips to make your mobile device storm-ready:

• Have a car phone charger and spare battery.
  If power is out for an extended period, your car can be a valuable source of energy.
• Set up emergency text alerts.
  Access to television or radio could be limited. By setting up emergency text alerts with your city or insurer when available, you can increase the chance that you’ll stay connected wherever you are.
• Create a texting phone tree.
  Create a network of contacts so you can reach them quickly after any sort of extreme weather. Texting may be the only available form of communication.
• Take advantage of insurance apps.
  Some insurance companies, including USAA, allow their customers to report claims using their smartphones to quickly start the recovery process.
• Download emergency service apps.
  Emergency service apps will allow you to access important resources, such as the American Red Cross.
• Utilize mobile banking apps.
  Many banks have developed mobile banking apps for smartphones and tablets that allow people to move money, pay bills and deposit checks from their phones. Having ready access to your funds can save a lot of headaches in the storm’s aftermath.

More hurricane preparedness tips can be found on USAA’s Disaster and Recovery Center at usaa.com/help.

For more information regarding USAA’s mobile services, download the free USAA Mobile App for iPad®, iPhone® or Android™.

About USAA

USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 9.3 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military – and their eligible family members. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit usaa.com.

Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for USAA.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50457019&lang=en