For immediate release: September 30, 2020 Contact:  Bryce Bencivengo, City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 512-974-0470   Austin-Travis County Partner to Launch Emergency Preparedness Mobile Application Austin, TX – The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Travis County Office of Emergency Management have partnered to deploy an emergency preparedness mobile application called Ready Central Texas. The new Ready Central Texas app provides resources and information for citizens across the Central Texas area to better prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies, as well as updates about COVID-19. The mobile app has a news section, preparedness resources, emergency plan checklist, informational videos, a document library, and COVID-19 resources from Austin, the State of Texas and the federal government. "As we conclude National Preparedness Month, we are excited to give the community another tool to raise their emergency preparedness for emergencies that can happen in our community," said Juan Ortiz, Director of the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security Emergency Management. "We hope the public will download the app and take the time to make an emergency preparedness plan for their family or household." The application is available on Android and iOS devices. You can download the application from the Apple Store here and on the Google Play Store here. The application is free to download and use. This mobile app is another tool for Central Texans to be prepare for and alerted about emergencies. Residents are also encouraged to register with Warn Central Texas to receive critical local alerts for natural disasters, weather warnings, evacuation notices, and more by text message, phone call or email. "We believe this is another great tool for the public to get information about COVID-19 and other emergencies that can strike in Central Texas," said Eric Carter, Chief Emergency Manager for the Travis County Office of Emergency Management. "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." The two emergency management offices continue to stress the importance of the four key steps to emergency preparedness: Make a Plan: Make an emergency plan for your household and practice it once a year. Know what you are going to do if your household is together or apart in case a disaster strikes. Build a Kit: Ensure you have some essentials for your household on hand including food, water, medication and other items to sustain your house for three days. Know your neighbors: Know the people who live in your neighborhood and who would need extra help during a disaster. Stay Informed: Follow trusted resources online to ensure you and your family have the most up to date information during an emergency. Also it is important everyone registers with Warn Central Texas to get emergency alerts for your neighborhood. For more information visit: www.austintexas.gov/prepared