Emergencies can happen when you least expect it, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has a new tool to help families. FEMA is offering a free smart phone application for all devices that will alert users to impending emergencies. The app also contains preparedness information for different types of disasters, an interactive checklist for emergency kits, and a section to plan meeting locations. Additionally, the app allows people to submit disaster-related images to the FEMA website, which they believe will be useful to both the public and first responders. FEMA emphasizes the app is not meant to replace any existing services and is not a way to call for assistance. Rather, it’s a way for them to provide more data to the public during times of emergency. Listen to KCII for live coverage of thunderstorm and tornado warnings when they’re issued for Washington County.