Take the first step toward emergency preparedness by downloading the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app .

Did you know your smartphone can be an important tool to help you prepare?

Many people use mobile applications (apps) to receive updates on severe weather, help them plan for emergencies, and stay informed of community activities.

The Disaster Information Management Research Center compiled apps from various organizations to help you find appropriate and trustworthy applications including those from FEMA and the American Red Cross. These apps cover the following areas:

• Family Reunification
• American Red Cross Suite of Apps
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Hazardous Substances
• Medical and Health Information
• Responder Support and Safety including field operations guides
• Psychological Health Tools for staying emotionally healthy
• U.S. Federal Agencies
• Surveillance and Alerts such as disease outbreaks and severe weather warnings

Having preparedness information and planning tools literally at your fingertips is an easy way to take action now!

May is Older Americans Month and a great time to ensure you or any members of your household prepare for emergencies.  

The first step is identifying what you or older adults in your household may need to be prepared. Evaluate those needs, include them in your emergency plan , and add any necessary items to your emergency supply kit . The Ready Campaign recommends seniors consider the following measures:

• Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment. If appropriate, discuss your needs with your employer.
• Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service animals , and any other items you might need.
• Keep written copies of your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and orders for medical equipment, including dosage, treatment, and allergy information in your emergency kit.
• Make a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.
• Talk with your medical service providers about their emergency plans if you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment, or transportation. Work with them to identify back-up service providers and incorporate them into your personal support network.
• Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other sources to store for your reference. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides an online tool intended to help people locate and access their electronic health records from a variety of sources.
• Coordinate with friends, family, or specialty transportation service providers in the event of a mandatory evacuation.

Find more information on preparedness for older Americans at www.ready.gov/seniors .

Did you or someone you know make advancements in preparedness over the past year? If so, apply for or nominate them for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual and Community Preparedness Award .

These awards highlight innovative local practices and achievements by recognizing individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward strengthening their community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster.

This year, the awards will showcase achievements in the following categories:

• Outstanding Citizen Corps Council
• Community Preparedness Champions
• Awareness to Action
• Technological Innovation
• Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness
• John D. Solomon Whole Community Preparedness Award
• Outstanding Private Sector Initiatives
• Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team Initiatives
• Outstanding Citizen Corps Partner Program
• Prepareathon in Action

For consideration in this year's awards, send all applications to fema-icp-awards@fema.dhs.gov by May 30, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Applications need to feature program activities occurring between January 1, 2016 and May 30, 2017. For more information on how to apply, visit www.ready.gov/preparedness-awards .