New Air Force app helps Airmen ‘Be Ready’ for emergencies

By Master Sgt. Angelita Colón-Francia, Air Force Public Affairs Agency, Operating Location - Pentagon

 WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- When a natural or man-made disaster strikes, would you be prepared?

Air Force officials are highlighting a mobile application to help Airmen prepare and plan for emergencies as part of September’s National Preparedness Month.

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center produced a Be Ready app to help Airmen prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural or man-made disasters. 


“Over the past several years, we’ve seen natural disasters, ranging from hurricanes, earthquakes, other severe storms to tornadoes and flooding that disrupt or even destroy homes and entire communities,” said David Epstein, the Air Force emergency management policy chief. “These events usually happen without warning, changing lives in an instant.  No matter what time of year it is, being safe and ready is always the right approach and responsible choice.”

The Be Ready mobile app is free and available for Apple iPhone and iPad devices and Android devices. For more information and resources, Airmen are encouraged to contact their installation's emergency management office or visit http://www.BeReady.af.mil.

The Be Ready app is an interactive, on-the-go emergency preparation resource, said Sam Hazzard, the Air Force Emergency Management education and training program manager. The app supports the Air Force “Be Ready” Awareness Campaign and complements the Air Force Emergency Preparedness Guide.
“Everyone should have an emergency supply kit,” Hazzard said.

The app puts key resources and a recommended emergency supply checklist at users’ fingertips.  The list can be customized depending on threat, geographic area or situation.  Users can check items off the list as they are added to the emergency kit, and add important data such as phone numbers, insurance policy information and much more.