For the first time, survivors of a disaster will be able to apply for federal disaster assistance on their smart phones, making aid more immediately accessible. This new tool, created at the direction of FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, can be accessed directly at FEMA’s new mobile web site www.m.fema.gov. Financial assistance for disaster survivors becomes available when a disaster has been declared by the President, to include individual assistance.

On average, roughly 40 percent of disaster applicants complete applications online.  More and more, when a disaster strikes, survivors are relying on their smart phones to stay in touch with friends and family. While computers and other means of applying for assistance may not be accessible for survivors right away, smart phones can help ensure that survivors have immediate resources and information at their fingertips.  Smart phone models that will be able to access the new mobile platform include Blackberries, Apple iPhones, and Windows Mobile.

Add this article to your favorite Social Networking websites...