Mobile app negates need for Internet during emergencies

Employers looking to implement emergency preparedness plans may want to check out a new program in San Francisco.

The city's Department of Emergency Management has teamed up with a local mobile application developer to create a free mobile phone app.

Using game mechanics, it teaches people about emergency preparedness. The head of the department said it offers the ability to use the emergency resources map and contact lists without connecting to the Internet -- an important feature during various disasters.

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The city partnered with CosmiCube to launch SF Heroes. The app connects with social media channels and provides information about city resources that residents may need to access during disasters.

The app's modules include:

An evergreen emergency services map, location, and event check-ins.
Social connections.
Educational quizzes.
Personal contacts.
Motivational checklists.
A leaderboard to compare achievements with friends.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

November 21, 2011

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