Take some time to memorize the phone numbers of people closest to you. Many who needed to call loved ones after Hurricane Sandy were unable to do so when they lost power and couldn't charge cell phones. Though they were often given access to landlines, many were so accustomed to using the contact list in their phones that they had no idea how to get in touch with the most important people in their lives.

One of my students experienced this same problem contacting siblings, roommates, and her best friend when she lost her phone. She urges, "Memorize your loved one's numbers today. You never know when this 'power outage' could happen to you."