Students, faculty and staff at Olds College have a new tool to stay informed and stay safe this year.
The college has launched OC Emergency, a mobile smartphone app which provides users with quick, mobile access to key safety and security information, emergency alerts, and incident- or event-specific news feeds.
The free app is available now for iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices.
“Smartphones have obviously become a ubiquitous part of college life,” says Olds College health, safety and wellness officer Fritz Latimer. “It's an undeniable channel to reach our community and this new system provides us a nimble, streamlined interface to publish critical alerts and information.”
OC Emergency – which was developed by Calgary-based firm RallyEngine Inc. and integrated with the College's pre-existing user ID system – features a unique ability to rally teams, such as those for crisis response, emergency operations, first aid, fire wardens and residence management.
As part of the app's pre-launch testing in the spring, Olds College and local partners conducted a tabletop simulation in which a tornado touched down in the area. Administrators were able to push out timely alerts and an up-to-date ERP (Emergency Response Plan) that was accessible even if off-line.
“Olds College is committed to the safety and welfare of our students, staff and visitors. OC Emergency is designed to provide critical information in a quick and easy way that will keep staff, students and visitors informed and safe in the event of an emergency situation at Olds College,” Latimer says.
- Submitted to the Albertan.
"It's an undeniable channel to reach our community and this new system provides us a nimble, streamlined interface to publish critical alerts and information."FRITZ LATIMER HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLNESS OFFICEROLDS COLLEGE
