# FEMA vs Emergency

The clearest difference is rating: Emergency at 4.8 against FEMA's 3.7. Emergency also leads on ratings volume (7.9K vs 1K) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 2 months). FEMA's advantage is review sentiment (69% vs 46%) and chart position (#18 vs #89). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Emergency holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Emergency has 7.9K ratings behind it against 1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 69% of FEMA's written reviews are positive against 46% of Emergency's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

FEMA ships an update every 2 months, Emergency every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | FEMA | Emergency |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fema/id474807486/reviews) | **[4.8 (7.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emergency-severe-weather-app/id954783878/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1K | **7.9K** |
| Positive reviews | **68.9% of reviews** | 45.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#18** | #89 |
| Size | 18 MB | 180 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)](https://appshunter.io/developer/474807609) | [American Red Cross](https://appshunter.io/developer/529160694) |

## What reviewers say

### FEMA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fema/id474807486)

**Currently charting:** #18 Top Free · Weather (US App Store)

This app provides essential tools and information for disaster preparedness, safety, and recovery. Receive real-time alerts, access guidance on emergency plans and kits, and find information on disaster assistance.

**Highlights:** Real-time weather and emergency alerts, Disaster preparedness guidance, Actionable safety advice, Disaster recovery assistance information, Location-based alerts, Accessibility features

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate and timely weather alerts
- 👍 Helpful preparedness information
- 🚨 Essential for emergency situations
- ⚠️ Valuable real-time updates
- 🗺️ Ability to monitor multiple locations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔁 Repetitive and excessive notifications
- 🔍 Difficulty finding/accessing alerts
- 🐛 Bugs causing app crashes or issues
- 🤔 Confusing or unintuitive interface
- 🗺️ Limited location tracking capabilities

**Reported bugs**

- Alerts not showing up in the app
- Locations being repeatedly deleted
- Inability to add or update locations
- Notification badge not clearing properly

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Customizable notification settings
- Ability to view past/archived alerts
- Integration with other weather/emergency apps
- Improved mapping and location services


### Emergency

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emergency-severe-weather-app/id954783878)

**Currently charting:** #89 Top Free · Weather (US App Store)

Prepare for and stay informed during emergencies with disaster guides, personalized checklists, and real-time weather alerts. Locate open shelters and services, track storms with interactive maps, and receive official National Weather Service notifications for your locations.

**Highlights:** Disaster preparedness guides, Personalized planning checklists, Official National Weather Service alerts, Real-time weather maps, Hurricane tracking, Shelter and service locator

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy user interface
- 👍 Accessible to the blind
- 🚀 Sends immediate notifications
- 👍 Keeps users informed about hazards
- 👍 Provides emergency preparedness information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔇 Notifications too loud even with volume down
- 🔁 Repeated notifications for the same event
- 🗺️ Inaccurate location tracking and alerts
- 🔍 Inability to customize alert radius
- 🔌 Alerts not working during power outages

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing or freezing
- Notifications not working as expected
- Issues with adding or updating locations

**Requested features**

- Add option to mute alerts after initial notification
- Provide more customization options for alert settings
- Integrate with smart home devices and wearables
- Add ability to share alerts and safety status with contacts
- Improve map functionality and location-based features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FEMA free?

FEMA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Emergency free?

Emergency is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, FEMA or Emergency?

Emergency is rated higher. FEMA averages 3.7 out of 5 from 1K ratings, while Emergency averages 4.8 from 7.9K ratings.

### Do FEMA or Emergency have ads?

Neither FEMA nor Emergency shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FEMA or Emergency?

FEMA ships an update every 2 months, and Emergency every 5 weeks. Most recently, FEMA was updated on November 6, 2026 and Emergency on November 6, 2026.

### Which is more popular, FEMA or Emergency?

FEMA currently peaks at #18 in the App Store charts, and Emergency at #89. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*