Disasters happen all over the world. Some are natural, and some are human caused. No matter the cause, being prepared is the way to handle disasters with as much calm as possible. There are many ways to prepare, and many tools available to help.
In our digital world, there are apps for everything. Disasters are no exception. There is an app for that.
FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency
“The mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that, as a Nation, we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.”
https://www.fema.gov/pdf/about/budget/fema_fy2013_bib.pdf
FEMA is the main source for help from the Federal Government of the United States during disasters. While their help during and after disasters are vital, FEMA also has a focus on preparedness. The FEMA mobile app that is designed to help people prepare for disasters, and helps with how to deal with them as well. According to FEMA the features of the app are
Features in the App as listed on FEMA.gov
- Receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
- Share real-time notifications with loved ones via text, email and social media
- Learn emergency safety tips for over 20 types of disasters, including fires, flooding, hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, volcanoes and more.
- Locate open emergency shelters and disaster recovery centers in your area where you can talk to a FEMA representative in person.
- Prepare for diasters with a customizable emergency kit checklist, emergency family plan, and reminders.
- Connect with FEMA to register for disaster assistance online.
- Toggle between English and Spanish.
- Follow the FEMA blog to learn about the work FEMA does across the United States.
red cross
“The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/mission-and-values.html
The Red Cross provides support and volunteers all around the United States. They are a resource when disaster strikes. They also have several apps that can help individuals and families prepare for many situations. Everyday Apps, Educational Apps to teach children, apps that support health care workers and Disaster Apps.
The First Aid app allows individuals to put in injuries and get instructions on what first aid can be done.
The Red Cross Emergency App, that ” lets you monitor for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts in your town, and other cities that matter to you. Learn how to prepare your family and home, check if loved ones are safe and let them know you’re safe.”
The Red Cross Hurricane App “puts the information you need to prepare for, and recover from, these dangerous storms. Monitor hurricane conditions in your local area and throughout the storm track.”
“Receive weather alerts whenever NOAA issues a tornado watch or warning for your community – or any location where you have loved ones” with the Red Cross Tornado App.
With the Earthquake App by the Red Cross, “receive notification when an earthquake occurs, find help and let others know you’re safe.”
Many areas that are prone to different natural disasters may have apps that the residents can use to stay informed. Check with your local or State Emergency Management offices for more information.
Additional Links
USA.gov/Emergency management – This wesite will connect you with your State’s Emergency Management website, where you can get other preparedness information
California – CalFire Ready for Wildfire – an app to help those in California areas prone to wildfires