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5/22/2013 8:00 AM
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International has launched a new Web site portal for public safety apps that promotes collaboration between emergency-response organizations and the public. The Application Community, or AppComm, is designed to be a clearinghouse for applications related to public safety and emergency response, for use by the general public and first responders.
Mobile apps can not only allow first responders to do their jobs more efficiently, but also keep the general public better informed. Chris Russo, founder and executive vice president of Elerts Corporation and Deputy Fire Chief of Hull, Massachusetts, cited their importance. "Recent events impacting public safety have demonstrated the incredible power of mobile applications, advanced technologies, and social media," he said. "By service as a central location for fostering development of public safety apps. AppComm will certainly lead to better ways to protect the public at large."
5/21/2013 8:00 AM
 San Francisco’s Department of Emergency Management (SFDEM) announced a new disaster preparedness project “SF72.org,” created to connect citizens willing to offer resources and services—from food, water, and an extra generator to mechanical services and a place to stay—72 hours after a disaster occurs. SFDEM research shows that connected communities with natural social networks are more resilient than others, as citizen-to-citizen resource sharing proved necessary during hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Encouraging communities to connect through a social network is part of the department’s larger plan to enhance San Francisco’s preparedness, said Francis Zamora, public information officer for SFDEM. The site will feature four categories: a place for people to connect and share resources and services; instructions on how to prepare for a disaster, including videos on putting together a kit and making potable water, plus testimonials from those who have survived disasters; a “make” section for users to invent their own ways to help; and an emergency mode, which will switch on when disaster strikes and share live information with the public, plus check for missing persons.
5/20/2013 8:00 AM
According to an article in The Times Dispatch, (May 8, 2013, by Shantelle Prater) the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department (LCSD), Arkansas, has added a new feature to increase public awareness. The new mobile application (app) called “MobilePatrol” is an app which provides real-time detention center detainee information including mug shots, charges, and access to the Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE) link, as well as allow crime victims access to timely and reliable information about criminal cases and the custody status of offenders 24 hours a day. "With this app users can view who is in jail, who has warrants, our most wanted list, and child-support issues," said Lawrence County Sheriff Jody Dotson. "The app also features links to the sheriff's department and contact information for city officials.”
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