The Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) today announced that Florida Storms, the free app Floridians are using to stay safe during major storms, is now available for Android devices. The app has been available on iOS devices since late August.

The Florida Storms mobile weather application offers a simple way to stay informed of potential weather and other hazards, backed by real-time credible information from the nearest Florida public radio station.

Among the app’s features are:

• Weather map: Clean and fast national radar with 1-hour past loop and future radar up to 48 hours, including current temperatures, wind speeds and lightning data.
• Radio streaming: Live stream of nearest FPREN partner station, with ability to customize based on desired location.
• News feed: Multiple feeds of real-time watch and warning information from various sources, with simultaneous advisory text and radar view.
• Emergency preparedness: Information for a weather disaster, including what to do before, during and after a storm.
• Push notifications: Customizable, from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.

Both the iOS and Android apps use state-of-the-art weather tracking and forecasting technology supplemented with up-to-date information from staff meteorologists at WUFT-FM, the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications public radio station and host to the FPREN StormCenter.

“I am pleased that the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) continues to develop innovative ways to help Floridians and our state’s visitors get dependable and accurate emergency weather information when and where they need it,” State Representative W. Keith Perry said.

FPREN communicates emergency information statewide through a seamless system of free over-the-air FM radio stations. The new mobile app extends the reach of the Florida station network with reliable and immediate accessibility on weather developments.

State Senator Rob Bradley added, “This is cutting edge technology that really demonstrates the changing way in which Florida’s public broadcasters can provide reliable, useful information to the people of Florida and our state’s visitors.”

The Android app can be downloaded here:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobiquityinc.uf_florida_storms_android&hl=en

The iOS app can be downloaded here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/florida-storms/id1011397030

About FPREN

Florida public radio stations joined forces with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to form FPREN in 2014. The FPREN Storm Center is operated by WUFT-FM at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications providing local 24/7 weather, data and storm updates to all stations in the network.

FPREN stations collectively cover 99 percent of the state and are locally staffed and equipped to stay on the air even during times of massive power outages in order to deliver important information to local audiences before, during and after an emergency. In the event of a weather incident, the FPREN stations will continue to provide recovery information for as long as necessary. Working in partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and local Emergency Operations Centers, listeners and users of the mobile app can be assured of having access to the most up to date information.

About FPBS

FPBS is a non-profit association of public radio and public television stations in the state of Florida. As the largest broadcasting network in the state, we reach more than 99 percent of Florida’s population through traditional broadcast, online tools and community engagement. FPBS stations are a state partner in education, emergency management and public affairs. Through our collaborative efforts, we identify and implement regional and statewide projects that enhance and sustain community initiatives that serve the citizens of Florida. For more information, visit the FPBS website at www.fpbs.org.

Posted: October 8, 2015
Category: College News
Tagged as: FPREN