Offline communication in emergencies: a realistic backup plan
· Avinash Kumar
Flight Mode Chat runs on iPhone and iPad. The app interface is in English.
Storms, earthquakes and blackouts can overload or knock out networks. A Bluetooth chat app can help with the short-range part: people in the same building, street or shelter.
What it’s good for
- Checking on neighbours in your building.
- Coordinating within a family in the same area.
- Sharing information inside a shelter.
What it isn’t
- A way to reach emergency services.
- A way to reach anyone outside Bluetooth range, unless enough people nearby run the app to form a mesh.
Prepare now
- Install Flight Mode Chat on family phones while you have internet.
- Test it at home.
- Keep a charged power bank.
- Know your official channels: emergency number, local alert apps, radio.
- Agree a meeting point.
Read more: disaster preparedness with Flight Mode Chat
Questions people ask
- Can it call emergency services?
- No. For emergencies use your local emergency number, or Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14 and later where available.
Flight Mode Chat
Encrypted chat with people nearby over Bluetooth, with no internet or cell signal.
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Also available in: Deutsch · Español (Latinoamérica) · Français · Italiano · 日本語