Today was all about going back 81 years to appreciate the safety advantages we have today thanks to digital technology. Cousins Elle and Milo invited us to cruise the Hudson River on a 1931 Fireboat called the John J. Harvey. The Fireboat has saved thousands of lives and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

We cruised around Brooklyn and Staten Island and then up the Hudson River. Two major surprises: the Captain opened the water cannons to demo the power of the spray and the boat stopped to allow the passengers to swim in front of downtown Manhattan. Both experiences were definitely awesome.

It was also a very emotional time when we passed the new new towers on the site of the World Trade Center. Between 9/11 and the battles the John J. Harvey fought, I decided it was a good time to introduce you to a variety of free and low-cost smartphone apps that will keep you safe and secure. I wonder how many people would be alive today if they knew all about the safety apps tech writer, Kim Komando, talked about in a recent USA today article.

Red Panic Button ($3; iOS, Android). An alert is sent to your list of preset emergency contacts via email, text message and Twitter. Included in the alerts are your exact GPS location and a Google Maps link.

Disaster Alert (Free; iOS, Android). A list of all the active hazards around the world, including hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, volcanoes and man-made disasters.

iMapWeather Radio ($10; iOS). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides radio weather alerts for areas in the paths of hurricanes, tornadoes and other powerful storms.

Disaster Readiness ($2; iOS; $1.50; Android). A downloadable emergency preparedness guide. It contains more than 175,000 reference guides on how to respond to any disaster including wildfires, flash floods and terrorist attacks.

iTriage (Free; iOS, Android). Two emergency room doctors developed iTriage. You can search medical symptoms and learn about potential causes. It will also tell you the nearest medical facilities and provide turn-by-turn directions and ER wait times.
iTriage includes emergency hotlines for instant advice from nurses and doctors.

GotoAID ($5; iOS). Guides you through medical emergencies and disasters. This app also stores emergency numbers and helps locate relief centers. GotoAID also has a Morse Code generator and an Emergency Pulse beacon.
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