As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, it is crucial to stay informed with timely and reliable emergency alerts. While social media and news platforms can provide updates, government-issued real-time alerts for your location can be vital during national emergencies, natural disasters, or security threats.
Both iPhone and Android users can enable emergency notifications to receive these critical updates. This guide walks you through five important settings to activate on your smartphone to maximize your safety in emergencies.
1. Enable emergency alerts
These alerts are issued directly by the government to inform you about national emergencies, natural disasters, or serious security threats. Enabling them ensures that you receive critical warnings in real-time—even if your phone is on silent or Do Not Disturb mode.
On iPhone (iOS 17 and later):
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Notifications
- Scroll to the bottom to find Government Alerts
- Toggle on Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts
- Note: These alerts can override silent and Do Not Disturb modes
On Android (Android 11 and above):
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Safety & Emergency or search for Wireless Emergency Alerts
- Tap on Wireless Emergency Alerts
- Enable the following:
- Extreme threats
- Severe threats
- Public safety alerts
- Allow alerts
- Alert sound
- Override Do Not Disturb
- Note: Names and paths may vary by device; search “Emergency Alerts” if needed
2. Download offline maps
In a crisis, network access may be limited. Offline maps ensure you can still find directions to hospitals, shelters, or safe zones, even without internet or mobile data.
Google Maps allows users to access directions without internet:
- Open the Google Maps app
- Search for a location (e.g., your city or neighborhood)
- Tap the place name or address
- Tap More > Download offline map > Download
- Ensure you’re logged in and connected to the internet while downloading
3. Set up Medical ID on your phone
If you’re unconscious or unable to communicate, first responders can view your health conditions, medications, allergies, or blood type directly from your lock screen.
On iPhone:
- Open the Health app
- Tap your profile picture
- Select Medical ID
- Tap Edit/Add to enter information like medical conditions, allergies, and blood type
- Enable Show When Locked and Share During Emergency Call
- Tap Done to save
On Android:
- Open Settings
- Search for Safety & Emergency
- Select Medical Info
- Enter name, medical conditions, medications, blood type, and allergies
- Tap Save
4. Enable emergency contacts and emergency sharing
This lets your phone automatically alert trusted contacts in an emergency. It may share your location, photos, and audio clips, giving your loved ones immediate insight into your situation.
On Android:
- Open Settings
- Search Safety & Emergency
- Enable Emergency SOS
- Enable Emergency Sharing and allow permissions
On iPhone:
- Open the Health app
- Tap your profile
- Go to Medical ID > Emergency Contacts
- Tap Edit to add/remove contacts
- Tap Done to save
5. Verify the default emergency number
Ensuring your device has the correct emergency number saves critical time when calling for help. An outdated or incorrect number could delay response in a life-threatening situation.
- Go to Settings > Emergency SOS > Emergency number to call
- Ensure the emergency helpline number is accurate for your region
Activating these settings takes just a few minutes, but can make a critical difference in times of crisis. Ensure your phone is ready to receive emergency notifications, and your loved ones know you’ve set up sharing features for added safety.
