In time for September’s National Preparedness Month, Rave Mobile Safety has announced the launch of an app for its Smart911 service.

The service allows registrants to create safety profiles with key information that could be used to assist first responders in the event of an emergency, such as vehicle descriptions, photos, addresses, medical conditions, emergency contacts and more. When a registrant dialed 911, their profile would be made available to the dispatchers and first responders.

However, the service was previously only available through a web browser. Laura Costello, senior product manager with Rave Mobile Safety, said they hope an app would allow more people to sign up for the service, as customers no longer have to wait until they can access a computer or deal with mobile web to set up their account.

“It makes it more convenient to use it on the go,” Costello said.

Another benefit, Costello said, is the ability to receive push notifications on a mobile device — even if you don’t set up a safety profile.

“We’ve had people use it for road closures due to parade or road construction,” Costello said. “We had a customer send out proactive resources for Hurricane Florence. It’s really great for anything that has a defined physical area that is impacted.”

When a string of deadly gas explosions rocked Massachusetts earlier this month, Costello said Smart911 was able to help those affected.

“They were able to send out an alert to the app that told people, ‘Hey, if you live here, you need to evacuate your home,'” she said.

In addition to individual information and push notifications, the app will allow businesses and organizations in Limestone County the chance to upload information in case a 911 call is made from their building. This can include access routes for first responders, fire alarm information and who is the main contact for that location.

“We have a lot of schools that do that,” Costello said. “So if someone calls 911 from that area, all the information pops up to the dispatcher about the school they’re in.”

However, the information is only available if someone includes it in their profile.

“It gives us as much or as little information as you want us to have,” said Athens Limestone County 911 Director Brandon Wallace. “With a normal cell call, all we know is your phone number and more than likely, where you are.”

Wallace said they also only have access during the call and for a short time period after.

“You can set up a profile and never use it, just because you never call 911,” he said.

To download the Smart911 app, text “Smart911” to 67283 or search for Smart911 in the device’s app store. Once downloaded, users can invite family and friends to download and sign up via text message.

For more information on Rave Mobile Safety, visit www.ravemobilesafety.com.