Since a whopper nor’easter is predicted for Friday and Saturday, now is the time to charge your 3G/4G devices: cell phones, smart phones, iPads, iPhones, Kindles, etc. A wireless router or home “hot-spot” will not be available if you lose power.
If you do lose power, use your land line, if you can, to make calls. Try to pry cell phones away from family members so that you are using only one cell phone at a time. Use texting instead of calling, as it uses less power. If necessary, recharge devices using your car, but only if your car is not in a garage, properly vented, and away from windows and doors so that you can prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into your home.
Use your 3G/4G devices to connect to TV/radio news, weather updates, etc. by downloading appropriate apps. The apps mentioned in this article are free, and available through Apple’s App Store.
CNN, for iPad and iPhone, streams live TV. After downloading the app, Tap CNN TV Live at the top of the screen; then tap CNN Live TV on the next screen. At this point, you will have to select which company services your home; there are now eighteen providers. Set up or log in to your account using your e-mail address and password. You are now connected and can watch CNN Live Stream TV.
The app, NBC Connecticut, connects you to real-time weather, traffic information and breaking news, however, it looks as if you will only be able to view video clips that have been posted by NBC Connecticut.
NBC Live is no longer available, and has been replaced by zeebox, for iPad and iPhone. This is another information source, but it is not live feed TV. This app hooks you into multiple stations and allows you to watch pre-selected video clips.
You can also use iTune’s search engine and/or any computer browser to search for similar apps, such as CBS News and FOX News.
So, if you can, try to get ready for the storm. Charge devices, download appropriate apps, and stock up on necessities.
iPads, iPhones, and other smart phones and tablets can be purchased locally. Check out the Apple Store - Westfarms Mall, Farmington, CT for iPhones and iPads. Your local Best Buy sells Apple products and other 3G/4G tablets and cell phones. (West Hartford and Enfield are two local options.)
To browse apple products on line: store.apple.com/us
