MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com)--Tornadoes killed a record number of people in 2011. Across the U.S., 500 people lost their lives. 34 of those fatalities happened in Tennessee alone.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service are making it easier than ever for you to prepare for natural disasters.
Jim Belles, National Weather Service Meteorologist, says, “We are always in a threat [in the Mid-South]. This is some of the highest area for tornado fatalities.”
While NOAA weather radios and the ABC24 Weather Team can give you good lead time on severe weather warnings, the Android Market now has a “Ready TN” app that has everything you need to know about how to plan for severe weather and how to react to it once it hits.
“Do you know what to do if there's a tornado warning?” says Belles. “What do I do and where do I go?”
The free app called “Ready TN” alerts you of active severe weather warnings. It lists where Red Cross and Shelby Cares shelters are located in the wake of storm damage. You can access live T-Dot camera feeds and check up-to-date road conditions. All emergency contacts are listed and organized by county. The app also includes information on how to make a preparedness plan and even has a shopping list of items you need for a survival kit.
Bill Nations, Director of Memphis/Shelby County EMA, says, “To avoid these tragedies, the biggest partnership we request is with our citizens. Take advantage of these technologies. The quicker you know, the safer you're going to be.”
You can download the app for free on the Android Market. In a couple of months, the app will be available through I-Tunes for I-phone users.
