FEMA UPDATES DIGITAL PREPAREDNESS TOOLS
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-updates-digital-preparedness-tools]


Release Date: 
Aug 1, 2022 

FEMA has two new ways to help people in Louisiana be better prepared
for severe weather and hurricanes: 1) the redesigned FEMA app for
smartphones and 2) the updated text-to-shelter service. 

SMARTPHONE APP

FEMA recently released a redesigned smartphone app that gives users
more personalized options. Downloading the app and then setting
preferences is a simple way for Louisianans to be better prepared as
we enter peak hurricane season. Users can enter their location and the
app will show them the information they need. Users also can enter up
to four other locations, so they can get information relevant for
family and friends or to their workplace.

The Recover section opens with the basics about federal disaster
declarations and continues with frequently asked questions about
applying for assistance. The Preparedness section has been re-worked,
with topics listed under Latest and A-Z sections. And popular features
such as weather alerts, emergency shelter locations and disaster
recovery center information have been revamped to be more
user-friendly.

The app has a Spanish language option. It’s available for free
download on iOS or Android. Current users will need to update their
app but they do not need to re-download.

SHELTER LOCATOR TEXTING

While the FEMA App has a lot to offer, disasters can disrupt
communications systems, and mobile internet service may not be
reliable. However, texting capabilities often remain unaffected. Plus,
not everyone has a smartphone. That’s why the Text to Shelter
service exists and was updated earlier this year.

Anyone needing shelter in a disaster can simply text “shelter” and
their ZIP code to 43362 and they will get a list of nearby shelter
locations. With the update, they will get a list of shelter addresses
within 200 miles of the entered ZIP code, not only those shelters
within that ZIP code.

The shelters identified through the text feature are pulled from data
managed by the American Red Cross (FEMA’s partner for this service).
FEMA does not run shelters. In a disaster situation follow the
instructions of state and local officials, as they may be able to
point survivors to additional shelters and resources not included in
the text feature.