Mobile app helps iPhone users 'Be Ready'

by John Burt
Air Force Civil Engineer Center Public Affairs

7/18/2013 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The "Be Ready" mobile app, or application, is now available for download on most Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad.

Previously offered for Motorola Android products only, this app was developed by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Emergency Management Division, as an on-the-go emergency preparation resource.

"This app provides information on basic preparedness for natural disasters or manmade events," said Sam Hazzard, the Air Force Emergency Management education and training program manager. "It's a practical tool to help users prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency situations. It includes steps to take after a disaster has occurred."

The "Be Ready" app is free and gives detailed information covering a wide range of threats including floods, hurricanes and wildfires. It provides emergency numbers and relevant websites as well as customizable family evacuation plans and emergency supply checklists.

"We encourage everyone to have an emergency supply kit," said Hazzard. "The app provides a recommended emergency checklist of supplies that can be customized depending on the threat, geographic area or situation. You can check off items as you add them to your kit."

Since the release of the Android version in January, AFCEC's emergency management experts say the response has been good from both military members and civilians alike.

"EM offices throughout the Air Force use tools like this to help increase emergency preparedness across their base and community," said Rob Genova, emergency management education and training specialist. "We've received comments from the public saying they like the amount of information included, it's easy to use and moves smoothly from section-to-section. The Apple platform now allows us to provide this tool to more people."

The "Be Ready" app is available for download now at Apple's app store or the Google play site. For more information, visit BeReady.af.mil.