In a growing and complex risk environment, efficient and fast information to the public is of highest importance. The information and alerting of the population of risks and threats is an essential public service. It is not only an obligation by law, but it is also an essential tool in the management of emergencies, as the inclusion of citizens in the process has positive effects. Since the times of sirens as the most effective way of alerting the population, technologies, society and risks have seen an important change. While the siren network still exists and can still be used, alerts nowadays are sent via multiple channels such as radio stations, social media and others. As risks have changed, the government has grown as well, with multiple organisations currently working closely in the field of civil security and crisis management. To avoid multiple similar solutions, the relevant stakeholders joined forces and decided to develop a shared service that fits all the needs. With the widespread use of smartphones, the government now has a direct channel – the GouvAlert.lu app – to the population, to warn them about adverse events and instruct citizens directly on necessary measures to take. This direct link ensures that citizens receive quick and correct information directly on their phone. In this fast-moving world, including the spread of fake news, it is of utmost importance that the population has a trusted channel where they are quickly and efficiently informed in case of adverse events or even crises.
In terms of calls to the dispatch centre 112, citizens are often unable to provide their precise location in case of an emergency. Emergency services lose a lot of time when the caller is unable to do this, which in the worst case can lead to a negative outcome for the person in distress. Both in medical emergencies and other incidents, aid should be provided as fast as possible. With GouvAlert.lu, the place of the incident can be determined in a matter of seconds, greatly reducing the waiting time until emergency services are at the location. Since October 2018, around 260 users have made use of this service, and could thus immediately be located. This is a clear sign that the population had and has a real need for this service, which has an immediate effect on citizens and thus increases their trust in the public service.
The general objective of GouvAlert.lu is to contribute to the protection of the population and to provide an efficient public service to citizens, where results are instantly visible. As the application is a two-way channel, the specific objectives are also two-fold. On the one hand, the app aims to inform the general public before events about possible risks and measures to take in case these risks emerge. In the event of an adverse event, people can be informed about it and be given direct instructions on what measures to take. As an example, in case of a fire, a certain neighbourhood can be warned about the smoke and be instructed to keep doors and windows closed. On the other hand, citizens in distress are provided with a tool to contact emergency services and be tracked immediately. As an example, an individual that had a mountain bike accident in the woods, who does not know their exact location, can call emergency services via the app, allowing the dispatcher to immediately track the location of the caller and send the appropriate help. Without the app, finding the person could take a significant amount of time.