The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has a new emergency alerting mobile application that will provide residents and visitors of the territory with real-time alerts about storms, earthquakes and other natural disasters that are likely to affect the BVI.
The DDM in a media release on Wednesday, June 28 said the app is available both for Apple and Android users, in the App Store and on Google Play respectively.
“The BVI DDM Emergency app is primarily developed as an alerting tool but also has preparedness resources such as safety tips and emergency shelter lists. The app also facilitates individual post-disaster needs such as sharing damage reports, and requesting location-based assistance,” the DDM stated.
It added, “The app’s social media integration enables users to share “I’m safe” messages on their social profiles.”
The app was a collaborative effort between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom (UK), with the UK Government contributing two thirds of the development costs of the app.
His Excellency Governor John Rankin said he was pleased with the assistance by the UK as the app can play a critical role in disaster preparedness and response in the territory.
He said, “I would encourage all those who can to download the app as part of the further building of the BVI Government’s resilience in response to changing weather patterns.”
Speaking on the correlation between the development of the app and the DDM’s commitment to enhancing early warning capabilities was the Director of Disaster Management Mr. Jasen Penn said the app reflects that goal.
“We strive to make early warning messages available to all persons in the Territory. This new mobile alerting app helps to ensure that lifesaving hazard alert messages can reach anyone who chooses to download the app,” Penn stated.
The app is available free of charge on a variety of mobile devices including most smartphones.