As more people turn to their cellphones for news and information, there becomes an increased need to develop innovative alerts and warning applications (apps). These apps notify the public of a current or imminent event or disaster and provide the public with any necessary actions to keep citizens safe. The latest National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) Spotlight highlights the successful use of these apps in real-life scenarios across the United States and demonstrates how the NECP’s recommendations promote the development and adoption of new technologies that enhance communication capabilities.

The states of Florida and California and the City of Clarksville, Tennessee successfully implemented their own mobile alerts and warnings apps in preparation for natural and man-made disasters. In each case, these apps created a dynamic way for alerting authorities to overcome mass notification challenges, increase awareness, and provide the public with the resources and information to react appropriately; potentially saving lives.