The State of Maryland has implemented the SeeClickFix platform as they prepare for and recover from Hurricane Irene. This partnership will provide emergency managers across the state with more detailed local information by enabling residents to report non-emergency issues even if the storm affects phone lines. Below is an amended version of the release we shared on our blog yesterday, including information about how Maryland will be using SeeClickFix.
Municipalities in the path of Hurricane Irene can start using our complimentary services by emailing Irene@seeclickfix.com. It takes approximately 20 minutes to get set up and staff will be on-hand throughout the weekend to provide support.
SEECLICKFIX OFFERING FREE SERVICE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR MANAGING INCOMING STORM DAMAGE ISSUES
Digital 311 System Will Lessen Burden on 911 for Non-Emergency Citizen Concerns During Hurricane Irene
New Haven, Conn (August 26, 2011) – As the East Coast braces for the upcoming storm, online citizen reporting tool SeeClickFix will offer its issue management tools to municipalities affected by Hurricane Irene at no cost. Through this effort, SeeClickFix hopes to reduce the burden of non-emergency calls to local governments in the storm’s path. The SeeClickFix dashboard will help municipalities streamline incoming constituent requests and expand citizen access to reporting non-emergency issues with its alternative channel of communication.
SeeClickFix decided to offer this complimentary month of service after its recent collaboration with the
State of Maryland. State officials decided to implement the SeeClickFix platform as they prepare for and recover from the storm. This partnership enables residents across the state to report non-emergency issues even if the storm affects phone lines.
“The State of Maryland is using SeeClickFix as another channel of communication that will provide emergency managers with more in-depth local information through which they can make decisions during the storm,” said Ben Berkowitz, SeeClickFix CEO. “During this historic storm, there exists a need for greater stability and broader accessibility when reporting non-emergency issues to local governments, and we’re glad we can help.”
Over 50 municipalities nationwide currently use SeeClickFix as their front-end reporting tool. Clients in the hurricane’s path are encouraging their residents to use SeeClickFix to report downed trees, structural damage, flooding, and other non-emergency issues caused by dangerous conditions expected this weekend.
Citizens can report storm damage via SeeClickFix.com or through SeeClickFix mobile applications available for
iPhone, Android and Blackberry. Once an issue is submitted, the reporter and the local government will receive email notifications. Local governments using the free dashboard can then acknowledge the request, route it to the appropriate department, and update the issue once it has been resolved. The platform also allows citizens to request and receive real-time updates such as road closures and the availability of supplies. Reports submitted via SeeClickFix are publicly available, allowing important information to be quickly and efficiently communicated.
Municipalities interested in using SeeClickFix for tracking non-emergency issues related to Hurricane Irene can email Irene@seeclickfix.com. Staff will be on-hand throughout the weekend to provide support. To view the State of Maryland’s SeeClickFix reporting form,
please visit their website here. Please note that local governments and citizens can always use SeeClickFix to report and monitor non-emergency issues for free.
SeeClickFix is a platform for reporting non-emergency issues. In the event of an emergency, please call 911. About SeeClickFixSeeClickFix allows citizens anywhere in the world to report and monitor non-emergency community issues ranging from potholes and planted trees to garbage and graffiti. Launched in 2008, it empowers citizens, community groups, media organizations, and governments to work together and improve their neighborhoods. Through mobile web, web, iPhone, Android, and Blackberry apps, the SeeClickFix platform is the most widely distributed citizen reporting tool in the country. The platform is fun and easy to use for citizens while being inexpensive and easily adaptable for governments. SeeClickFix supports the Open311 standard that promotes improved communication between citizens and their local government. Over 50 percent of issues reported on SeeClickFix are ultimately resolved. For more information or to report an issue, visit www.seeclickfix.com.
