The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has added new functionality to its smartphone app.
The feature allows users to get push notifications “to remind them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.”
Users can also opt to get safety and emergency preparedness tips “ including testing smoking alarms, practicing a fire escape plan, updating emergency kits and replacing smoke alarm batteries.”
“Our lives are increasingly busy and on-the-go,” said Deputy Administrator of Protection and National Preparedness Tim Manning. “Today, we turn to mobile devices and technology to help us stay more organized and connected. This new feature to FEMA’s app will make it easier for families to remember to take potentially life-saving actions that we all should be thinking about more often.”
The app already included features that provides a “customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and open recovery centers, and tips on how to survive natural and manmade disasters.”
Users can also receive push alerts from the National Weather Service regarding possible severe weather.
The app is available for Android and iOS operating systems.
