Maricopa County releases mobile app for emergency alerts

PHOENIX — Maricopa County has released a new mobile app that will allow residents to keep up with emergencies in the area.

Ready.maricopa.gov will help residents put together emergency kits, locate evacuation routes and Red Cross shelters and give the latest updates on any county emergency.

Stephanie Miller, a spokeswoman with Maricopa County Emergency Management, told KTAR News 92.3 FM that the county realized a mobile app was needed because it was not reaching all of its residents with its old emergency alert system.

“Based on our social media reach, and things like that, we are reaching a particular set of residents, but we’re not reaching everybody,” Miller said, adding that younger and Spanish-speaking residents were among those groups.

“This just helps us reach out to the people who would normally be more apt to use apps. And because it’s available in Spanish, it really helps us spread the message of emergency planning to that community as well.”

Miller said the app is easy to use. For example, for those wondering what should go into an emergency kit, the app will take some basic information.

“Based on information that you give it, such as how many people are in your household, it will generate a list of emergency supplies. And, it’ll generate a shopping list for you.”

The app is now available for both iOS and Android devices and can be used in both English and Spanish.

Experts said families may be separated after a natural disaster, so it is important to review the plan regularly.

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