Apps for Emergency and Disaster Workers
Smartphones, tablets, and computers are valuable tools during disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. There are many fine apps that disaster workers can use to support our efforts. A few of our favorites are listed below. There are also a few more Apps (non-disaster) posted under the Not DMH tab.
American Red Cross (many apps)
The American Red Cross offers several free first aid, emergency, and disaster apps. Each offers preparedness information and several will monitor weather conditions and provide alerts to your smartphone. Use this link to learn more:
american red cross - Monster Guard
Monster Guard is the first mobile app created by the American Red Cross that's designed specifically for kids. Follow Maya, Chad, Olivia and all the monsters as they teach kids (aged 7-11) about how to prepare for real-life emergencies-at home plus other environments-in a fun and engaging game. Sponsored by Disney, this free app is available to download on iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices. Here is a link:
Bloom Built, Inc. - DAY ONE JOURNAL
Day One is a simple way to journal your thoughts, memories, reactions, and images, They can then be synced and backed up in the cloud. Workers on long and/or difficult assignments often report that things all start to blur and blend together . After a while, it is hard to remember and process what all was happening. Keeping a journal can help with that process and can also make it easier to document, blog, and/or publish your insights and reflections once the event ends. Here is a link:
Federal Emergency MAnagement Agency
FEMA's app contains preparedness information for all types of disasters including emergency kit checklists, details on how to stay safe, maps to assistance, even a section to plan meeting locations. It offers NWS weather alerts and allows you to track and share information on social media. Here is a link:
National Center for PTSD - PTSD Coach
NCPTSD's PTSD Coach app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that often occur after trauma. Features include: Reliable information on PTSD and treatments that work; Tools for screening and tracking your symptoms; Convenient, easy-to-use tools to help you handle stress symptoms; Direct links to support and help; and Always with you when you need it. Here is a link:
NATIONAL CENTER FOR TELEHEALTH & TECHNOLOGY -
Tactical Breather
The Tactical Breather app can be used to gain control over physiological and psychological responses to stress. Through repetitive practice and training, anyone can learn to gain control of your heart rate, emotions, concentration, and other physiological and psychological responses to your body during stressful situations. Here is a link:
National Child Traumatic Stress Network -
PFA Mobile
NCTSN's app can assist responders who provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) to adults, families, and children. Materials in PFA Mobile™ are adapted from the Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide (2nd Edition). PFA Mobile™ allows responders to: Review the 8 core PFA actions; Match PFA interventions to specific stress reactions of survivors; Hear mentor tips for applying PFA in the field; Self-assess to determine their readiness to conduct PFA; and Assess and track survivors’ needs—simplifying data collection and making referrals. Here is the link:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - BHDR
SAMHSA's Behavioral Health Disaster Response App offers immediate access to field resources for aiding disaster survivors. It has the ability to search for and map behavioral health service providers in the impacted area, review emergency preparedness materials, and send resources to colleagues. Here is the link:
The Weather Channel
TWC has apps customized for smartphones and tablets. Get local and national weather conditions/forecasts, plus severe weather alerts. You can also track storms and review news, photos, and videos. Here is a link:
