North Carolina launches emergency information app
North Carolina has released a new mobile applications aimed at helping residents in emergency situations from minor traffic accidents to severe storms.
Called ReadyNC, the app is available for iPhone and Android devices.
“The ReadyNC mobile application is an all-in-one tool that both residents and visitors can use to get the latest weather, traffic and hazard information and know what to do to be safe,” said North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory. “None of us can predict when the next disaster will occur, but we can minimize the impacts by preparing ahead of time.”
The new app is not supposed to replace calling 911, but instead provides useful information that could be life-saving such as:
• real-time traffic and weather information
• critical information on how to be safe during different hazardous events
• real-time information about opened shelters for evacuees (including addresses, capacity, directions and if the shelter is pet friendly)
• real-time updates on flood levels of major nearby creeks and rivers
• phone numbers and links to all North Carolina power companies to report outages
• basic instructions on how to develop emergency plans and what to put in your emergency supplies kit
• real-time information on which counties have issued evacuation orders
• contact numbers and links to websites for those who need help recovering from a disaster
• direct links to the ReadyNC.org and NCDPS.gov websites and social media accounts
“We’ve seen countless examples across the country and here in our own state that remind us that those who are prepared ahead of time fare better during disasters,” Public Safety Secretary Frank Perry said. “This simple app will help each family do just that.”
The mobile application was developed by N.C. Emergency Management using Citizen Corps funds designated to foster emergency preparedness. More information can be found here.
