Risk is part of the job for many, if not all, public safety workers - but unnecessary risk should never be. Keeping those workers safe in the event of a natural disaster so that they can then keep the public safe is crucial, and agencies should seek the best possible ways to do so. Luckily, we live in an era when technology can be a big help to all those in the public safety field.

There are new programs, services and apps being developed every day to help in the cause of public safety, and the innovations seem to be endless. Here are just a few of the ways that new technology can keep you, and the public, safe during a natural disaster, mass casualty event, or other major catastrophe.

The KOVA Emergency Alert Notification System (KEANS)

KEANS can communicate with multiple agencies in multiple locations, as well as business partners and public address systems like loudspeakers and bullhorns all at the same time. This can save time, resources and lives.

In the KEANS system, dedicated circuits, fixed endpoints, and even public address systems are constantly monitored. The easy-to-read dashboard displays all available endpoints with green indicators, which allows operators to see the condition of the fixed components and know that the system is operating properly.

The Facebook “I’m Safe” app

This app is automatically activated if a large amount of people in an affected area post about a natural disaster or other event. Once the feature is activated, it prompts the user to go to a Safety Check area that will let friends and loved ones know that you’re safe.

Even better, you have the option with the app to invite other friends to join, helping people stay connected should a natural disaster occur.

American Red Cross mobile apps

The Red Cross offers a comprehensive collection of apps that can be invaluable during a natural disaster, including first aid instructions (for humans and pets), an emergency app that allows you to monitor 35 different Severe Weather Alert systems, and individual apps that track hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake and wildfire watches and warnings.

The Natural Disaster Monitor for Android

This app, available from the Google Play store, monitors the latest natural disasters, including volcanoes, earthquakes, cyclones, floods and tsunamis and displays them as color coded icons in a list, and on a Google Maps backdrop; the color of the icons indicates the alert level: red, orange and green.

Wearable tech & sensors

One of the most interesting developments in safety preparedness technology, and one that’s admittedly a few years from being fully functional and accepted, is the idea of wearable indicators, within your clothing, that will pinpoint your location in the event of a natural disaster.

And while wearable tech can help locate survivors, similar sensors can help firefighters contain small fires faster, and notify neighbors quickly.

The In-Case-Of-Emergency (ICE) app

If you’re injured or unconscious in a disaster event, this is a downloadable form that lists your medical information for any doctors or nurses who may be attending to you. There’s even an option to make your phone unlockable to access the form or make it your default lock-screen image.

Life 360

This is another communication app similar to the Facebook “I’m Safe” feature, but it’s more personally connected to your close friends and family. It sets up a personal network so you can send messages,  share locations and check in every so often so you family knows where you are. It also allows you to send messages to everyone in your network at once.

You’re even able to look at a map to see where the people you love are, and if need be you can add photos of yourself or your family to that map.

SirenGPS

This might be one of the best apps for public safety workers. It enhances emergency communication, management and response by connecting everyone in a community to first responders, and by allowing first responders to communicate with each other, all on a single platform.

If you’re looking for public safety technology that can make daily life safer for your public safety workers and citizens alike, take a look at our public safety software solutions.