Barry Walsh - Research Similar Apps

Research Similar Apps

 Siren GPS
SirenGPS integrates community notifications, reporting and emergency calling.
Pros
The Siren GPS app features a red “panic button” that you can press for instant 911 assistance, making sure to send dispatchers your exact coordinates with or without a strong wireless connection.
Cons
An important caveat to consider with this app is that it won’t be able to share your location or profile information with first responders if your community is not part of the Siren 911 network, so be sure to check for local availability.





























The offline Survival Manual
It is basically a field manual with all kinds of information. That includes how to make shelter, what kinds of plants to avoid, how to make fire, how to prepare food, and even basic medicine. 
Pros
One very nice feature is that the entire manual is downloaded to your device, so no network access is needed to use the data in the app. 
One of the first topics addressed is power, so that you can keep your device powered up and providing information.
Cons
The biggest drawback to this app is that is has few illustrations, and it would be far more useful if it did.
 A downside is the additional phone-space it requires.



























American Red Cross First Aid app
First Aid App features include: Simple step-by-step instructions for everyday first aid scenarios. Prioritized steps to take during an emergency, with a 9-1-1 call button.
Pros
Friendly user interface
Solid information
Lots of helpful information.
Free from clutter.
Can check for updates every hour.
Cons
App assumes one is on the United States of America and only caters for United States of America.
Some information is extremely basic and obvious.





















     






























Disaster Alert App
Disaster Alert is a free, mobile app that provides individuals, families, and their loved ones with the information they need to stay safe anywhere in the world. Offers near real-time updates about 18 different types of active hazards as they are unfolding around the globe.
Pros
One of the best components of this app is the world map using different icons to show all the current disaster alerts around the globe
Cons
 To get alerts specific to your area you need to upgrade to the paid version. This costs $12

FEMA App 
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is an agency in the US that's part of the Department of Homeland Security. The mobile app from FEMA lets you get real time alerts concerning all sorts of disasters.
Pros
Unique emergency alert types.
One of the most thorough emergency apps.
Cons
Stale user interface.

Next Door App
Community is important during an emergency. Nextdoor is a social network for your community that can also serve as an emergency broadcast alert app. If someone in your area reports an emergency through the app, you’ll be the first to know about it. 
Pros
It's easy to communicate with neighbors you might not know.
Anybody can post emergency alerts.
Cons
Usefulness is limited in some areas due to lack of use and small populations.
Isn't primarily an emergency alert or preparedness app.


AccuWeather App
Most disasters are weather related, and AccuWeather is one of the best all-purpose weather apps. It provides timely emergency alerts for all sorts of events, making it a great hurricane tracker app and a general weather app for showing when it will snow, rain, flood, etc.
Pros
Tracks lots of threats.
Includes severe weather alerts.
Extremely detailed.
Cons
Not all features are free.
Lots of options; can become overwhelming.

THE IPHONE MEDICAL ID App
It supplies critical medical and contact information for first responders and others who have physical access to your iPhone
Pros
Time Saving
Just tap Emergency on the bottom-left of the iPhone lock screen, which allows those without your passcode to make an emergency phone call. Then, tap Medical ID to bring up a screen showing the information you entered previously. Those accessing your Medical ID can tap on any of your emergency contacts to call them directly.
Cons
PRIVACY CONCERNS & EFFICACY
There are some important privacy concerns to consider before using it. While Apple doesn’t share any information you enter into the Medical ID profile with third party apps, anyone who has physical access to your iPhone can easily see it. The whole idea of Medical ID is to make the information quick and easy to find for those helping you in an emergency, but that means it’s also quick and easy to find for those with less honorable intent.
Personal and sensitive medical information, such as medical conditions and medications, will be wide open to nosy coworkers, prying family members, or just about anyone who gets physical access to your iPhone for 15 seconds. In addition, the phone numbers and names of your emergency contacts, and their relationship to you, will also be viewable, which introduces identity theft or phishing concerns.
Efficacy
There’s also the question of efficacy. Although it’s one of the most popular smart phones in the world, not everyone has an iPhone and not all first responders, doctors, or good samaritans will know how to find your Medical ID.