Cherokee Springs Fire Department uses new app to better serve the community

Cherokee Springs Fire Department uses new app to better serve the community

The Cherokee Springs Fire Department is using a new smartphone app that will serve as a new way for the department to connect with residents.

“Fire suppression is vital to what we do, but if we can prevent emergencies before they happen, that’s even better for the residents we serve,” Fire Chief John Alley said. “This app offers resources that aid in prevention and ways for residents to proactively provide information to us. We hope to be able to engage more easily and build additional relationships and trust.”

Alley explained the app was created to be user friendly and features nine different tabs. Some tabs include information regarding fire prevention, a resource map, safety outreach, and a step-by-step CPR walk through.

“If we can get an early CPR started, which is one of the survival strategies, then they have a better outcome or a better chance of survival,” said Alley. “That is one of the major things that we looked at.”

He said they purchased the app to better connect the community to useful information.

Alley said the fire department can easily make people aware of road closures and other issues that affect them.

“Our intent is if we shut down a major highway, to post that so that we can say, yes, this road is closed, but you can get around this alternate route,” said Alley.

While the app offers a new method of communication Alley said in case of an emergency, 9-1-1 should still be called. The app is available for iOS and android.