There’s an app for employees and residents through Piscataquis County EMA
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency has a new app — that is still being developed — to relay different types of information directly to county employees, residents and others interested in the region.
“It’s a much more efficient tool to communicate,” Piscataquis County EMA Deputy Director/E-911 Addressing Officer Debra Hamlin said, mentioning the app was started by the recently retired county EMA Director Tom Capraro. She said that many of Maine’s other 15 counties have similar apps in place to relay information directly to the intended recipients through different modules.
EMERGENCY APP — The Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency, which is located on the second floor of the Peaks House on the county’s Dover-Foxcroft campus on East Main Street, has a new app to share information with employees and residents.
“Everyone seems to have a phone now and this is a great way to keep track of things,” Hamlin said. She said that formerly the agency used books from the QuickSeries Pocket Guide for emergency procedures in county buildings but now Piscataqus County-specific plans can be developed and made available for download for handy reference on employees’ phones through the app.
Hamlin said plans may indicate where county employees should go under certain types of emergencies on the East Main Street campus. She said this information is available only under employee modules, while other portions of the EMA app are available for anyone who downloads it.
Resources such as storm information will be available through the app. “We are hoping it’s a tool to keep the community informed,” Hamlin said. Various forms can be filled out on the phone, rather than completing the physical paperwork.
Per an instruction sheet, go to the App Store and type in Piscataquis County EMA. This reveals the agency logo which allows the app to be installed. A welcome message reads “Piscataquis County EMA provides Piscataquis County residents with essential resources and guidance to support community safety and emergency preparedness. Citizens can stay informed with access to news, FAQs, videos and eGuides. Alerts, checklists and advanced safety modules also allow for advanced planning and organization to help keep users ready in the face of any crisis.”
Under the menu are the modules. Hamlin is asking employees and others using the app to please let her know what they would like to be added and edited or how they like/dislike the features as the program is still a work in progress. She can be reached at dhamlin@piscataquis.us or 207-564-8660.