This is a quick update and explanation on some of the features of the Shrewsbury Fire Mobile App.
If you downloaded our App, you probably received a bunch of Alerts today that didn’t make much sense. The primary reason for our App was a backup alerting function for our Fire Fighters. Our Fire Fighters carry a pager most of the time, and rely on an App called Active 911.
The Active 911 app relays information from the York County 911 to Fire Fighters’ smart phones. When there is a breakdown in the system (anywhere from York 911 to the Active 911 computer or our own smart phones) the Fire Fighter’s phone will not Alert.
Carrying a pager AND having a second alerting mechanism ensures that we get notified and get responers moving towards the emergency. This morning, there were issues getting messages out to Active 911, however, our App still provided a secondary method to notify our members of an emergency.
Some have asked about the APP not providing additional information. The Alerts You get are the same ones We get. The Shrewsbury Fire App is limited to 128 characters, so in most cases the only thing cut off is the list of apparatus requested and part of the cross street.
The Shrewsbury Fire App Alerts about 30 seconds after the Fire Fighter’s pager Alerts. So, as soon as we get it, you get it. This is automated, so we will not be sending manual updates via the Alert feature. Our Facebook will provide further info should it be warranted.
- The Weather Tab provides current data from the weather station mounted on top of the Fire Station.
- The home screen provides instructions for changing or silencing the Alert tone.
- Live Audio will link you to Fire and Police Audio in York County.
- The cost of the app goes directly into supporting the fees associated with providing the app.
- We invite you to let us know if there are any features you would like added.
Thank you for your continued support.