What apps and local resources should you have ready before a disaster?
Written by Andy Kruger
BuildSOS CEO4 min read
The short answer
Download the FEMA app for shelter information and alerts, plus a weather and first aid app from a source like the Red Cross. Then spend a few minutes finding your local emergency management agency’s contact information and your area’s NOAA weather radio station. None of this takes long, and all of it is far harder to look up in the middle of an actual emergency.
Why this matters more before than during
People who have preparedness apps and local resources set up in advance are more likely to receive timely alerts, access critical information, and make informed decisions during an actual emergency. Cell service and internet access can also become unreliable exactly when you need them most, so having what you need already saved matters.
What to set up, step by step
- Download the FEMA app. It provides a list of open shelters during an active disaster in your area, plus alerts and safety tips.
- Download a weather alert app. The Red Cross Emergency Weather App is a solid free option.
- Download a first aid app. Useful reference during an emergency when you may not have signal for a search.
- Find your local emergency management agency’s contact information and save it. They’re your primary source for local, real-time guidance.
- Find your local NOAA weather radio station. This works even when cell networks are down.
- Save the most recent declared disaster name for your area, if applicable, since this can be relevant when applying for federal assistance later.
Frequently asked
Do I need all of these apps, or just one?
The FEMA app alone covers a lot of ground: shelter finder, alerts, and safety tips. Adding a dedicated weather app is the next most useful addition.
What if I lose cell service during an emergency?
This is exactly why a NOAA weather radio is worth knowing about in advance. It doesn’t rely on cell networks.
How often should I check that these are still working?
Once a year is reasonable, just to confirm the apps are updated and your saved contacts are still current.
About the author
Andy Kruger
Andy Kruger is CEO of BuildSOS, author of When the Storm Comes, and sits on multiple boards and advisory groups shaping disaster resilience policy and research.
About Andy