CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - A new iPhone trick may be vital if you're in an emergency situation. Officals remind residents the importance of working smoke alarms during Fire Prevention Week This feature allows your cellphone, which normally relies on cell towers on the ground, to link with satellites so you can contact emergency services This works for iPhones 14 and newer or if you have the latest iOS software update with iOS 18. Messages take longer to send than your traditional text messages. Frank Tate with Phyx Cell Phone Repair told 22News one step that you should do in preparation for these scenarios, "Make sure the information before you go is inputted into the phone like your emergency contacts because you can use the SAT technology in the iPhone 14 and up to communicate with people who are in your medical list." The feature works best if you have a clear view of the sky and it may take a couple of tries before you can connect. Similar features are available on Androids like the Google Pixel 9. This can be a life-saving tool in situations like a hurricane where cell service may not be available. Local News Headlines Malden man wins $1 million prize in lottery’s ‘777’ game Hurricane Milton impacts travel nationwide Credit card interest rates soar as Americans struggle New companion animal building opens at Smith Vocational WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.