Emergency Response At Your Fingertips: 3 Must-Get Apps
These days there’s an app for just about everything, even for emergency preparedness. But with thousands of high-tech iPhone and Android applications to choose from, how do can you know which ones can actually be useful for you and your family during an emergency situation?
Our team did some research, browsed through some of the top-rated apps on the market and came up with 3 apps we believe every family should consider downloading as an additional step in emergency/disaster planning.
Check them out below and happy prepping!
- FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app takes the number one spot. This comprehensive app includes:
- Alerts from the National Weather Service
- Disaster Reporter
- Custom emergency safety information
- Maps of disaster resources
- Safety tips
- Access to apply for federal disaster assistance.
- Information in Spanish
Download here: https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app
- Pocket First Aid & CPR.
Runner-up is the app from the American Heart Association. A few things this unique app offers:
- Detailed videos with life-saving information on how to respond in first aid situations like choking, CPR, seizures, cuts and wounds, and more.
- Device storage so a user can access information without cell phone reception
- ‘My Info’ tab to store family members’ medical information
Download here: http://appcomm.org/pocket-first-aid-cpr/
- Shelter Finder by American Red Cross
Last but certainly not least, this application maps shelter locations across the United States. In the event of a natural disaster, a user can choose a location and zoom into a local area to view nearby shelters and details like who’s managing the shelter, how many people are there, and of course, the specific shelter address and location. Another great feature is that if you’re looking to make a contribution, they make it possible to donate and help the American Red Cross give aid to those in need.
Download here: http://appcomm.org/shelter-finder-app-by-american-red-cross/
Stay safe, but most of all, stay prepared!
Winter Prep Checklist
Winter is officially here, are your prep kits up to date? Make sure your kits have what you and your family need to survive the cold winter months should an emergency or disaster take place. We created a checklist to help you as you customize your home and car preparedness kits, take a look and stay safe!
❏ Emergency Water
❏ Emergency Food
❏ LED Flashlight
❏ First aid kit
❏ Multi Use Pocket Knife
❏ Mylar Space Blankets
❏ Emergency Weather Ponchos
❏ Emergency Body Warmers
❏ Glow-sticks for emergency lighting
- The above items and more can be found inside of our 1, 2 and 4-Person Premium Disaster Preparedness Kit
Special needs/Elderly
❏ Medications and special items such as hearing aids (with extra batteries), glasses/contact lenses, canes etc.
Babies and Pets
❏ Baby supplies (formula, baby food, bottles, diapers, medicines etc.)
❏ Pet supplies ( pet food, collar/leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl, medicines etc.)
Outdoors/Weather
❏ Tools/supplies for securing your home in case of heavy winds
❏ Sand for flooding
❏ Warm coats, gloves/mittens, hats, boots, extra blankets and extra warm clothing for all household members
❏ Alternate heating methods (fireplaces or wood/coal-burning stoves)
More
❏ Extra batteries
❏ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
❏ Sanitation/personal hygiene items
❏ Family and emergency contact information
❏ Copies of personal documents for all household members (medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
❏ Cell phone with chargers
❏ Extra cash
Remember to always add what is necessary for your family's specific needs. Stay warm and stay safe!
Stay Safe This Christmas Day
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from First My Family! Here are some safety tips for the entire family on this very special holiday- stay safe!
1. Holiday Lighting
If you’re like many families in the U.S., you have holiday lighting in and outside your home. Be sure to unplug those lights when you leave your home or go to bed.
2. Outdoors
It’s great to play outdoors on Christmas Day. But whether you live in a snowy place or not, make sure you and your kids are dressed appropriately- sweaters and scarfs are a must if it’s chilly!
3. Toy Safety
Many little ones’ toys may contain tiny and or sharp particles. To avoid choking or other toy-related injuries, keep an eye on children every time they are playing, and take the time to explain to them how to properly (and safely) play.
From our family to yours, stay safe and Happy Holidays!