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Top 50 Emergency Uses for Your Camera Phone - PAGE TWO

Ways Your Camera Cell Phone Can Save Lives and Property

From Paul Purcell, for About.com

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  • Record parking spot locations.
  • Engine repairs. Send a pic to a mechanic who may talk you through a quick fix.
  • Business or service function and hours. Copy posted business hours or listed service functions (and pricing) for later review and recall. You can also report price gouging.
  • Child custodian. If you can't get to your kids at school or other function, relay a picture of the person who is coming to pick them up.
  • Info on injured or hospitalized people.
  • Hotel room number and location.
  • ID your evac gear. Take a picture to prove ownership.
  • Photo scavenger hunt. Give kids a short list of things they should take a picture of.
  • Identify the close-up. Take a really close up picture of something while the kids aren't looking.
  • Document your whereabouts.
  • ID the rescuer. If a rescuer is picking up your child or pet, photo the rescuer (and the child or pet) and the vehicle they used, their name tag, registration numbers on helicopters, vehicle tag numbers or names of boats.
  • Document your cleanup.
  • Document expenditures. In addition to receipts, photograph the goods acquired, equipment being used, services being performed and the people involved.
  • Property pics for retrieval companies. Some scenarios will see you unable to return home. Property photos will allow you to identify specific items you'd like retrieved.
  • Evacuee status. Authorities will want to know who is injured, dead or missing, and who is okay and where they are.
  • Overcome language barriers. Pictures make communication easier.
  • Transmit road conditions.
  • Relay traffic conditions.
  • Crime scene evidence. People have returned to a home undamaged by a disaster, but later looted.
  • Too much on the screen? Should the TV flash pertinent information and you don't have time to write, take a picture of the screen for later review.
  • ID for doctors or pharmacies.
  • Emergency supply information. If supplies are low, people can send a picture of the types or brands of items available at different spots.
  • "Last Minute List" items and shutdown. In addition to a written list, create a photo file showing items you need to take and steps to secure the house before leaving.
  • Evac atlas. Create a "travel atlas" of emergency assets available along evacuation routes.
  • Reaction plan for the reading disabled.
Paul Purcell is a security analyst and preparedness consultant with over 20 years of risk management and preparedness experience. He's also the author of "Disaster Prep 101." More information can be found at http://www.disasterprep101.com.

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