FEMA Launches Mobile Web Site for Smartphones
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate announced the launch of FEMA's new mobile Web site, m.fema.gov. The Web site is geared to make it easier to access critical information regarding emergency preparedness and what to do before and after a disaster right on a smartphone.
"Smartphones are becoming more prevalent, affordable, reliable, and more viable to locate and obtain information and assistance," Fugate said. "This service will provide yet another avenue for the sharing of important information that is so critical to ensuring the public is prepared for emergencies. As we've seen in recent cases, often times after a disaster, mobile devices become a crucial lifeline to provide information to survivors."
The new site is laid out in a user friendly, question-and-answer format, providing users with the answers to their top questions, such as:
What should I do in a disaster?
Where can I find assistance?
How can I help others?
FEMA will be making several enhancements to m.fema.gov in the coming months, including the ability to apply for individual assistance when a disaster has been declared by the president; check on the status of an application; and update an existing application.
The announcement of the launch of m.fema.gov comes just over a month until the start of this year's hurricane season on June 1. The mobile site is one way that FEMA is reaching out to ensure that the public has the tools they need to be prepared for any emergency. Families are also encouraged to log onto www.ready.gov and learn more about steps they can take to ready for the hurricane season.
To view the video about the mobile Web site, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Kib7Am568.