The main menu is separated into four sections: Alerts, Prepare, Disaster Resources, and Share Disaster Photos. It also features emergency information and tips and ideas on what to do before, during, and after the crisis. The FEMA Mobile App packs lots of resources and information into an easy-to-use and navigate package that can receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations.
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Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Android 4.0.3 and up FEMA Mobile Appįederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) We also evaluated each for daily use and how they could be used in the absence of cell or Internet service. While we couldn’t anticipate the real-world conditions that the apps might be subjected to, we looked at each through the lens of how they could be used before, during, and in the aftermath of a crisis. With these tips in mind, we took a look at 10 popular apps and put them to the test. This is important if you’ll be relying on that content in the aftermath of a disaster when cell service and/or internet service may be down. Many of the apps we reviewed come with pre-loaded content available to the user even without connectivity. But while many functions don’t require connectivity, the majority require cell service or a Wi-Fi connection. There are literally hundreds of functions that can be performed on these devices. No Cell Service Needed: Smart devices have become the multitool of our age. All the apps on our list are free, although some offer upgrades for a fee, or an option to pay to avoid seeing ads. On the other hand, some folks don’t mind paying a few bucks for a great app to avoid seeing a bunch of ads. But be careful some of those “free” apps come at the cost of having to endure some very annoying ads. Functions that are slow and clumsy won’t get used it’s that simple.Ĭost: Many apps are free, and that’s great. Getting around should be intuitive and easy, and you should be able to do so quickly, too. The user should notice that everything flows well. Important information should be conveniently placed. Navigation and Design: Think of this as the layout of the various elements and functions and how easy and intuitive it is to navigate throughout the app. Overall, the best apps are useful, fast, convenient, easy to use, consistent, and reliable. For many people, reliability is a must, especially during a crisis. If the app falls short in any of these areas, you’ll likely get frustrated, no matter how good the actual content may be. We also prefer a clean layout, with easy-to-identify links, buttons, and fonts that are big enough for the average person to see clearly. The following are some factors you may want to consider:Įase of Use and Reliability: We looked for apps that were easy to download, set up, and use. Each person’s situation is, of course, different, and the apps you choose should reflect your specific needs and circumstances. In the 10 apps we reviewed, we sought to provide a practical mix. Some of these apps we reviewed here will. Your phone can do much more than just call people when service may be jammed. For practical reasons we had to limit the review to 10 apps, but there were certainly many more that we could’ve included. They’re not necessarily “disaster” apps, but rather apps that could be useful before, during, and after a real-world crisis. The apps we considered for inclusion in this review all provide access to resources. Ironically, it’s usually during those difficult moments that our need to stay connected is even greater - from contacting others to sending out an urgent call for rescue. When a disaster strikes, however, our access to reliable communications and up-to-date information are usually among the first things to take a hit. Normally, these devices provide us with digital connectivity and round-the-clock access to a variety of information sources from around the globe. Mobile technology, social media, and apps have also started to play an increasing role in emergency/rescue efforts as tools for getting information to and from people in affected areas. Smart devices have become an essential tool in everyday life. In this article, we review 10 mobile applications that could potentially help you prepare for, and survive, a crisis or other public emergency. But staying connected is a crucial part of surviving a natural or manmade crisis. When things go sideways, obtaining accurate and timely information, or getting word from family and friends, can be difficult, if not impossible.