Weather alerts are now a feature of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s free app. Users are now able to receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the country.
“Emergency responders and disaster survivors are increasingly turning to mobile devices to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters,” said Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator. “This new feature empowers individuals to assist and support family and friends before, during, and after a severe weather event.”
The new app feature allows users to receive alerts on severe weather that is happening anywhere in the country, making it easy to follow severe weather that may be threatening family and friends.
“Every minute counts when severe weather threatens and mobile apps are an essential way to immediately receive the life-saving warnings provided by NOAA’s National Weather Service,” said Kathryn Sullivan, Ph. D., NOAA administrator. “These alerts are another tool in our toolbox as we work to build a ‘Weather Ready Nation’ – a nation that’s ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme weather events.”
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Pew Research conducted a recent study, showing that 40 percent of Americans have used their smartphones to look up government services or information. FEMA also reports that a majority of smartphone owners use their devices to keep up to date with breaking news and to be informed about what is happening in their community.
FEMA’s new weather alert feature provides additional support to the app’s existing features to help Americans through emergencies. Aside from the new weather update, the app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies and maps of open shelters and Disaster Recovery Centers, in addition to tips on how to survive natural and man-made disasters.
Individuals who have the app downloaded onto their device can also upload and share photos of disaster damage through the “Disaster Reporter” feature.
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