NEW COUNTY MOBILE APP A MUST IN EMERGENCIES

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September 28, 2012 (San Diego) – You don’t know where you’ll be when the next wildfire or other major emergency hits San Diego County. But this week’s destructive Shockey Fire is our latest reminder that emergencies do happen here.

Starting today, you can download SD Emergency to your iPhone, iPad or Android phone or tablet to get critical emergency information wherever you are. The app is designed to keep residents and their families informed and safe throughout events likely to affect the region, such as wildfires, or potential threats, such as damaging earthquakes or terrorist events.

“Many people depend on smartphones and tablets to keep them connected to the world, and there’s no more critical time to stay connected than during an emergency,” said County Board of Supervisors Chairman Ron Roberts. “East County residents have already suffered a devastating wildfire this year, and we’re just entering our typical peak fire season. As government enters the world of ‘apps,’ I promised during my State of the County address to make this public safety app our priority. It is a great resource and I urge smartphone users to download SD Emergency today.”

The free app is now available to download via www.sdcountyemergency.com, or in the Apple App Store and Google Play stores.

SD Emergency features a simple interface, and during a fire or other event, app users will be alerted to official County updates, emergency maps, shelter lists and maps, CAL FIRE and County social media, and even volunteer opportunities. An automatic notification will alert users of new emergencies and updates.

During an emergency, residents might use the app to see if their neighborhood is affected by road closures or damage. Displaced residents could find their way to the nearest shelter.

Before an emergency, the app is designed to be a handy and engaging preparation tool. The “Ready” section of the app features interactive checklists to prepare an emergency kit that will help families survive on their own in a disaster for 72 hours. Likewise, the app makes devising a family disaster plan easy.

The “Ready” side of the app also features a wealth of information by disaster type, such as “Wildfire,” “Earthquake,” and “Public Health Emergency.”

The app takes advantage of smartphone technology and reaches the growing and significant population who use iPhone and Android devices. During an emergency, the County will also provide updates, maps and shelters at www.sdcountyemergency.com.


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