9 APPS TO HELP YOU FIND PEOPLE DURING DISASTERS

9 apps to help you find people during disasters
By Ryan Francis, CSO, 20 November 2014.

These apps could help reduce panic and aid first responders to where someone might be located.

Apps to the rescue

There is nothing more nerve wracking than not knowing where someone important to you is during a disaster. The emergence of Twitter has provided an avenue of sorts for people to find out if someone has made it out alive. But if it is ever to the point in which loved ones, or employees in your organization, have not yet been found, these apps could help emergency personnel locate them.

1. Red Panic Button

To use Red Panic Button, you are required to set a panic number or mail address and the phone will send a message, which contains your address and location. It uses GPS/Network (where available on iPhone and iPad 3G) to determine your location or Wi-Fi (on the iPod touch and iPad Wi-Fi)

According to a few reviews, make sure to check with the company on any extra costs associated with upgrades or customizations. (Price: US$2.99 - iOS, Android)

2. VisionLink OEM Shelter

Maybe you are frantically looking everywhere for your lost loved one. This app by VisionLink will help you locate the disaster shelters in your area. You can view open shelters by state and also find the latest disaster information via the Red Cross Disaster Online Newsroom. (Price: Free)

3. Disaster Alert (Pacific Disaster Centre's World Disaster Alerts)

Disaster Alert provides mobile access to multi-hazard monitoring of and early warning for natural disasters around the globe. The reviews in iTunes were glowing for this app. (Price: Free - iOS, Android)

4. ReUnite by National Library of Medicine

ReUnite provides ability to upload missing and found person information for family reunification during and after disasters. It provides structured information to the National Library of Medicine's People Locator service. (Price: Free - iOS, Android)

5. SirenGPS

SirenGPS connects everyone in a community to first responders and allows first responders to communicate with each other, all on a single platform. It allows first responders to determine the precise location of 911 callers. (Price: Free - iOS, Android)

6. Life 360

While Life 360 is portrayed as more of a way for families to keep in touch through their busy lifestyles, it also has the ability to connect someone who might be trapped and needs help. (Price: Free - iOS, Android, Windows)

7. ICE: In Case of Emergency

ICE: In Case of Emergency stores important information for first responders and hospital staff to use in case of an emergency involving you. (Price: US$3.99 - Android)

8. Triple Zero Kids Challenge

Triple Zero Kids Challenge enables kids to learn about how to deal confidently with and get help in an emergency, by playing games and solving problems. They'll learn about safety messages and hear what happens when you call Triple Zero (000). Along the way they will meet the "Zeros" as they are guided step by step through the game. (Price: Free - iOS, Android)

9. Guardly Mobile Safety Apps

By launching Guardly’s safety app, it will transmit real-time GPS location and indoor location within buildings (for select enterprise customers), and provide two-way communication with private security, 911 authorities and safety groups. (Price: Free - iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows)

[Source: CSO. Edited. Some links added.]