To kick off Winter Weather Preparedness Week, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMHSA) recently announced the release of a completely updated version of its award-winning Ready Georgia mobile app.
Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app has an entirely new user interface as well as features designed to help Georgia residents take steps to stay safe before, during and after emergencies.
With the redesign, users will recognize core capabilities from the previous app are enhanced with new information and increased functionality such as the Ready Profile emergency planning tool, which now integrates with a user's address book so they can quickly assign emergency contacts.
Users will also recognize enhancements to the live traffic map, a clearer map of hurricane evacuation routes and updated information on specific threat types. Exciting new additions to the app that make it easier than ever to be ready for emergencies include:
• Alerts: Stay informed about potentially hazardous weather conditions through the app's alert function. Users can receive active alert notifications for the Georgia county of their choice and monitor alerts for up to three counties.
• I Am Safe: Notify emergency contacts that you're safe following an emergency with a single tap on the screen.
• Ready Kit Checklist: Keep track of which emergency supplies you have and what you need using either a visual or text checklist.
• Dashboard: Track progress on preparedness tasks and check status of weather alerts and traffic incidents, all from one screen.
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"The Ready Georgia mobile app is now an even more effective preparedness tool," said GEMHSA Director Homer Bryson. "The new features make it easier than ever for Georgia residents to be informed about potentially threatening weather, to make an emergency plan and to keep track of the emergency supplies they have on hand. I encourage everyone with a smartphone to download and use it."
The Ready Georgia app was originally developed in 2011 in partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health. Since its original launch, the app was downloaded to 82,000 smartphones, helping tens of thousands of Georgia residents to prepare for emergencies. It is a model for dozens of other state emergency apps around the country.
In 2012, the Ready Georgia app was recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Individual and Community Preparedness Awards and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Public Health Information Coalition Awards.
Upgrading the app was made possible through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2014 and 2015, the CDC evaluated the previous version of the mobile app, identifying potential enhancements and improvements to increase its effectiveness. Following the completion of the evaluation, CDC provided funding to upgrade the app and implement many of the evaluation's recommendations.
The Ready Georgia app is being launched on the first day of Winter Weather Preparedness Week, a time when Georgians are encouraged to prepare for winter weather by replenishing necessary supplies, making a plan and learning about the different types of winter weather.
To download the Ready Georgia mobile app, visit www.ready.ga.gov/mobileapp. The app is available for free from the App Store or Google Play.