Currently, users are adapting to the lack of emergency response with their smart phones. Of smart phone users, 53% have used their phone in an emergency situation to obtain help. Instead of spending time trying to gather information about an emergency on your phone, it is easier if the information is pushed to you allowing you to make decisions about what is happening.
Emergency calls placed to 911 have difficulty locating a wireless caller. Calls made from landlines only tell emergency personnel which building a person is calling from not where they are in the building. It is estimated that 70% of calls made to emergency centers are placed from wireless phones, which leaves an information gap between first responders and the public.
Smart phones are also used to share and obtain information about the emergency. Social media provides information faster than first responders. In the event of an emergency the public posts to social media sharing valuable details that first responders need.
Crowdsourcing information in an emergency allows first responders to collect information and share out with users the critical information that they need. Users can share this information empowering them by being part of the solution rather than waiting for help to arrive. ArcAngel users are empowered to make their own decisions in an emergency.