Mobile App for Emergency Preparedness

December 14, 2011

Free app for iPhone and Android users
What to do in an emergency, with customizable features

First mobile app for the County

Arlington, VA – Want to be more prepared for an emergency? The County’s new Arlington Prepares mobile app provides users with smart phones an easy way to stay prepared – no matter where you may be when a crisis happens. The Arlington Prepares app is available as a free download in the Apple App Store and Android Marketplace .

“The principles of preparedness have not changed much, “ said Director of Emergency Management Jack Brown. “But the way people access, process and store information in a 24/7 world has changed drastically over the last few years. This new app helps ensure that no matter where you are or what you are doing, you'll be prepared when a crisis happens.”

With the winter weather season approaching, Arlington Prepares can help you stay informed. You can receive weather and traffic alerts; store family emergency plans and contact information and track supplies in your emergency kit.

Key Features of the App:

---Be Informed

What to do in an emergency such as a tornado, earthquake, fire, or hazardous material threat.
Sources for to local emergency news.
Quick access to up-to-the minute Arlington Alerts .

---Make a Plan

Disaster kit checklists and the ability to customize those lists.
Key contact information for public safety agencies, utilities, and more – info you’ll have with you anywhere you go.
The ability to pull in your own existing emergency contacts from your phone.
Get involved

---How to get involved as a volunteer in emergencies.

Links to and descriptions of local volunteer organizations.

More About the App:

The Department of Technology Services, Offices of Emergency Management, and Office of Communications collaborated in the in-house development of this mobile app. This is the first mobile app for Arlington County – and the first emergency management app of its kind in the country. A Spanish version of the app also will be available in the coming weeks.

_____________________________

Captain Andy Penn

Second District Commander

Arlington County Police Department

1425 N. Courthouse Road

Arlington, Virginia 22201

Office: 703-228-4327

Email: cpenn@arlingtonva.us