In an effort to provide services to individuals with limited access to a computer, radio and/or television, FEMA now offers a mobile website to smart-phone users. The site, m.fema.gov, is simple, straightforward and easy to use. FEMA administrator Craig Fugate states, “Smart phones are becoming more prevalent, affordable, reliable and more viable to locate and obtain information and assistance. The service will provide yet another avenue for the sharing of important information that is so critical to ensuring the public is prepared for emergencies.”
Features of FEMA’s Mobile Website
FEMA’s mobile site has two sections: “How Can I Find Assistance?” and “What Should I do in a Disaster?” The assistance section provides FEMA’s phone number (1-800-621-3362) and links about applying for FEMA aid or assistance. It also includes information about how to keep your family and others safe.
The disaster section of the mobile site provides tips on what do to in the event of a flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, terrorism, thunderstorm, tsunami, wildfire and winter storms. The natural disaster tips tell individuals what to do before, during and after an event. The terrorism tips include information about what to do before, during and after an explosion, chemical or biological threats, a nuclear blast or a radiological dispersion device (RDD) event.
Future Plans
Government Computer News reports:
“FEMA officials are planning technical improvements to the site, including interfaces with other federal, state and local agencies and private nonprofit organizations, such as the Coordinated Assistance Network; integrating additional controls for waste, fraud and abuse during emergencies; and surge capability through a federal cloud solution.”
This user-friendly mobile site offers a wealth of information at a smart-phone user’s fingertips. During an unthinkable event, anyone who bookmarked this site on his or her phone’s mobile browser will not regret it.
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