iPhone & Android Apps 2014: FEMA Launches Spanish Language App
A free new app from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is going to make information easier to access for native Spanish-speakers.
FEMA released a Spanish app Monday which will help with planning for, enduring and picking up the pieces after a disaster, according to NBC.
The new app fits a much-needed niche, as explained by a report from the Pew Research Hispanic Trends Project.
The report shows that about 78 percent of Spanish-dominant Latinos and 81 percent of foreign-born Hispanics own a cell phone -- making the need for an app necessary.
FEMA made the announcement via YouTube, and displayed the features of the app in a video.
"You can take the first step to disaster preparedness with just the swipe of your finger," FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate told KVOA NBC 4 in Tuscon. "Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices have made our lives more convenient -- this app empowers us to be prepared. The FEMA app is now available in Spanish. I encourage everyone to download it today to have access to the latest information on steps to take before, during and after a disaster."
The app has emergency and first-aid kit tips, shelter locations, ways to apply for emergency assistance, and how to volunteer to help if you are not in an affected region.
All the information is pre-loaded in the app, so that even if the user is outside network or WiFi coverage, they can still access all the information.
There has recently been a focus on emergency aid apps being available in multiple languages to help native speakers in a disaster.
The American Red Cross launched six Spanish apps this month as well.
KSBY NBC 6 in California reported that the apps provide similar information, in comparison to the FEMA app.
Recently, a group of boys in Oregon created an emergency beacon alert app, to help locate an individual in distress during a disaster, according to Salem-News.com.
The app, iRescue, is available in English, Spanish, French, Hindi and Chinese.
The new FEMA app is available for both iPhones and Android phones.
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