New app could help with communications in disasters

The Emergency Information Council (EIC) hosted speaker Charles Siemonsma from Interact Solutions on Oct. 14. He described a phone app that is under development that will allow residents to send a help text message to the local Emergency Operations Center. The app will work on any cell phone even when the community electrical power and cell service has been lost. It only requires the building to be equipped with the Interact Solutions internet service, which has battery backup in each building and at its server location. Given that residents will be on their own during a disaster, and may need aid before someone finds them, having their phone available may get help more rapidly. For more information, visit eiclwsb.org or contact President Jackie Dunagan at jackie919@gmail.com