New app helps residents prepare for emergencies

A new emergency preparedness mobile app is designed to help residents of Central Texas prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies. The app, Ready Central Texas, was created through a partnership of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Travis County’s Office of Emergency Management. The app “has a news section, preparedness resources, emergency plan checklist, informational videos, a document library, and Covid-19 resources,” according to a news release. Juan Ortiz, director of HSEM, said, “We hope the public will download the app and take the time to make an emergency preparedness plan for their family or household.” Eric Carter, chief emergency manager for the the county’s Office of Emergency Management, said, “Our goal is to continue to provide multiple avenues for the public to be prepared so when disasters strike they can take immediate action to ensure they and their loved ones are safe.” You can download Ready Central Texas from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. The two emergency management offices also urge all residents to register with Warn Central Texas to receive local emergency alerts for your neighborhood.