New App Offers Emergency Alerts and Anonymity

Ping4 is working with local police departments to deploy its citizen alert system.

Offered as a free smartphone app, the platform empowers jurisdictions to issue rich media alerts to warn citizens of impending dangers to their safety. Many U.S. cities are adopting reverse notification systems as an effective means of expedited emergency notification. Others offer smartphone apps with alert capabilities that also provide quick links to emergency-related information and resources. Most alert systems to date, though, rely on existing citizen data, or ask for registration that requires disclosure of personal information. But Ping4 allows users to remain anonymous, a fact that allays fears of those concerned about compromising their privacy by revealing personal information, including their 24/7 whereabouts, to a government organization.