The free alerting app Massachusetts Alerts is provided by MEMA
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, better known as MEMA, now offers a free downloadable Alert app for Massachusetts residents, or anyone else interested in being notified of incidents and events in the Commonwealth. The app called Massachusetts Alerts, was officially launched on September 1st of last year and is an improved version of the former alerting program from MEMA called Ping4Alerts.
While the new Massachusetts Alerts still performs on its former Ping4Alerts’ platform and technology, the new Massachusetts Alerts has been customized specifically for Massachusetts. As such, the new app allows MEMA, as well as other public safety agencies operating in the Commonwealth, to provide timely emergency notifications about events happening in real time in the state.
According to MEMA, once the app is downloaded an individual can adjust both the sound settings as well as the alert settings to determine what type of alerts you want to receive. MEMA says that the app neither stores nor tracks your data or personal information. The app does require your location so that it can tailor its alerts based upon your current smartphone or tablet location.
The following is are two sample screenshots of the different types of alerts that the Massachusetts Alerts App provides:
Other benefits of downloading the Massachusetts Alerts App
Aside from timely notifications of incidents and disasters in Massachusetts, the MEMA app also provides tips to prepare for potential weather events or emergencies as well as pertinent information on how its users can find additional on-line resources to help “…prepare for, manage during, and recover from the wide range of natural, technological and man-made hazards that threaten the residents of the Commonwealth.”
Overall the free app provides the following real-time information to residents:
- Severe weather watches and warnings (MEMA says users can set their own preferences)
- Amber alerts about missing children
- Critical information during disasters, such as evacuation and shelter-in-place information
- Shelter information
- Power Outages updates and information
- Tips to prepare for and on how to stay safe during disasters and public safety incidents
How to download the app
This is a great, free tool that all insurance professionals can not only use themselves but to share with their insureds. This will help them to become better prepared in the face of the next incident, event or emergency that occurs here in the Commonwealth.
The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and again is free. Click on either icon to download the app from the appropriate store.
