Washington Post: “A smartphone can be a lifeline in a natural disaster, connecting you instantly to assistance and real-time resources. Unfortunately, many disasters like hurricanes and wildfires take out the exact things phones rely on to do that work: electricity and cell service. The remnants of Hurricane Ida unloaded a historic deluge in New York City and the surrounding area on Wednesday night, triggering states of emergencies in New York and New Jersey and leading to at least nine deaths. Nearly 1 million households are still without power in Louisiana after Ida made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Sunday and the heavy rain knocked down cell towers, leaving many without a phone connection. In California, record-setting wildfires are encroaching on populated areas, including South Lake Tahoe where more than 20,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. If you’re preparing for, in the midst of, or recovering from a disaster, here are some of the best ways you can get your phone in the best shape to help you. From making a charge last as long as possible, to finding the right information online…”