FEMA announces the update to their mobile application

Illustration of the FEMA Application. FEMA/Yuisa Rios

Under the tagline "Take Charge of Disasters," FEMA announced the update of its mobile application for smartphones. The Agency began using mobile technology in 2010, and then developed a smartphone app, which its Spanish version was launched in 2014.

This is the largest update to the mobile application in ten years. The new version allows users to create a profile, with customizable options for location and other preferences. These allow them to receive notifications linked to active alerts in their location. Although the application has aesthetically changed, it maintains functions that provide disaster preparedness tips, ability to request disaster assistance, a Disaster Recovery Center locator and educational information.

The app was also updated to work with screen readers and voice control commands technology for people with disabilities who use assistive technology in their daily lives. The app is available for iOS and Android phones. This is a free and accessible tool for the entire community to take control of their individual and collective disaster preparedness.