Your phone could be a lifesaver during a weather emergency. It can call for help, receive emergency weather alerts and even use the built-in flashlight to light your way. So how can you ensure that your phone will weather the storm?

Even the best phone deals aren’t that great if the mobile device stops working in bad weather. Here are a few tips to follow:

Turn on emergency alerts. This simple step could save your life. Even though you might find those notifications to be annoying, Wireless Emergency Alerts are vital for your safety.

Invest in a rugged case. It might not be the most fashionable accessory, but a tough, rugged case is important to protect your phone.

Buy some power packs. Phone power packs are single-use portable batteries that can provide the juice your phone needs in the event of a power outage. Stash one of these on every floor of your home, as well as your car and workplace.

Backup your data to the cloud. In the event that your phone doesn’t survive, you’ll have a cloud backup of all your important photos and contacts.