When a hurricane and tropical storms threatens a community, the need for clear, timely communication and effective resource management becomes more crucial than ever. Local governments must engage residents, provide real-time updates, and manage service requests efficiently. GOGov’s suite of solutions—Citizen Requests, Notifications, and a local government branded mobile app—offers a comprehensive toolkit to help local governments navigate the challenges of a hurricane. This blog post explores how each of these solutions can play a vital role in supporting communities before, during, and after a hurricane.

Citizen Requests: Streamlining Resident Service Requests During the Storm

During a hurricane, residents may encounter a wide range of issues, from power outages and flooding to downed trees and debris. Traditionally, residents might struggle to report these issues quickly, leaving local governments with a backlog of problems to address. With GOGov’s Citizen Requests solution, residents can easily submit service requests directly from their mobile devices, ensuring that local governments receive timely and accurate information.

For instance, if a resident experiences a power outage or notices flooding in their area, they can open the GOGov app, select the appropriate service request type, and submit it within seconds. The request is immediately routed to the appropriate department, allowing local government staff to prioritize and address the most pressing issues.

GOGov’s Citizen Requests feature also includes a mapping tool that visually represents service requests across the community. This tool was invaluable to Camden, SC, during Hurricane Debby. Utility staff used the app to identify the size and severity of power outages, with pins on the map showing the concentration of service requests. This visual representation helped staff allocate resources more effectively, speeding up the response time to critical issues.

Citizen Notifications: Engaging the Community with Real-Time Updates

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful hurricane response. Residents need to know where to find sandbags, which shelters are open, and when power might be restored. Traditional methods of communication, like social media or local news broadcasts, can be unreliable during a storm, with information getting lost in the noise. GOGov’s Citizen Notifications solution ensures that vital information reaches residents directly and without delay.

With Citizen Notifications, local governments can send push notifications directly to residents’ mobile devices. These notifications can include weather alerts, sandbag locations, shelter information, and updates on power outages or post-storm cleanup efforts. The immediacy and direct nature of these notifications mean that residents receive critical information in real time, without having to sift through social media feeds or wait for news updates.

During Hurricane Debby, the city of Camden, SC, leveraged GOGov’s Citizen Notifications to keep residents informed. They sent out six notifications in total, starting with a message about the availability of sandbags at City Hall. Subsequent notifications provided important phone numbers for emergencies and updates on power outages. The final notification informed residents that power had been fully restored. This proactive communication strategy helped Camden’s residents feel informed and reassured throughout the storm.

Similarly, the Town of Dumfries, VA, utilized the Dumfries Citizens Connect mobile app to communicate with residents as Tropical Storm Debby approached. They sent out several notifications, including updates on storm preparations, the declaration of a local emergency, and the cancellation of weekend events. This seamless communication helped keep residents safe and informed, ensuring they had access to the most current information during the storm.

Numerous other communities throughout the county sent out important resident notifications during the storm as well. Many Florida municipalities like Biscayne Park, Redington Shores and Sunny Isle Beach used their local government branded mobile apps to send out notifications about sandbag locations before the storm so residents could easily get prepared in case of flooding from heavy rain and storm surge.

Branded Mobile App: A Central Hub for All Hurricane-Related Information

In the chaos of a hurricane, residents need a reliable source of information—a single place they can turn to for updates, service requests, and essential resources. GOGov’s branded mobile app serves as that central hub, providing a one-stop shop for everything related to the storm.

The branded mobile app consolidates all of GOGov’s features into a user-friendly interface, making it easy for residents to stay informed and engaged. During a hurricane, residents can open the app to receive push notifications, submit service requests, and access a wealth of information, from shelter locations to emergency contact numbers. The app becomes a trusted source of truth, ensuring that residents have accurate and up-to-date information at their fingertips.

Camden, SC’s experience during Hurricane Debby is a testament to the power of a branded mobile app. The city used their app, Connect Camden SC, to send out multiple notifications, manage service requests, and provide residents with critical information. The app’s effectiveness was evident in the positive feedback from residents, who appreciated having a reliable tool to navigate the storm.

Cumberland County, NC also utilized this branded mobile app , MyCCNCGov, as a resource for residents. In addition to timely notifications, the county provided easy access to storm updates, links to damage assessment forms and more... all on the MYCCNCGov Mobile app.

How GOGov Solutions Empower Local Governments During Hurricanes

The true strength of GOGov’s solutions lies in their ability to empower local governments to respond quickly and effectively during a hurricane. By streamlining service requests, delivering real-time notifications, and providing a central hub for all storm-related information, GOGov helps local governments maintain order and keep residents safe.

1. Increased Efficiency

• With GOGov’s Citizen Requests solution, local governments can quickly triage and address service requests, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most. The mapping tool adds another layer of efficiency, helping staff visualize and prioritize issues across the community.

2. Enhanced Communication

• Citizen Notifications provide a direct line of communication between local governments and residents. Whether it’s an urgent weather alert or an update on post-storm cleanup, GOGov’s notifications ensure that residents receive the information they need when they need it most.

3. Centralized Information

• The branded mobile app serves as a single source of truth during a hurricane. Residents no longer need to navigate multiple platforms or sources for information. Everything they need is available in one place, from service requests to emergency contacts and shelter locations.

‍Real-World Impact: Dumfries, VA

‍The experience of Dumfries, VA, during Tropical Storm Debby showcases the real-world impact of GOGov’s solutions in action. As the storm approached, Dumfries’ staff utilized the Dumfries Citizens Connect platform to keep residents informed and prepared. They sent out multiple notifications, including updates on storm preparations, the declaration of a local emergency, and the cancellation of weekend events. This seamless communication ensured that residents were aware of the town’s safety measures and available resources. The success of Dumfries’ response highlights how GOGov’s platform empowers local governments to maintain clear, consistent communication and keep their communities safe during a crisis.

Real-World Impact: Camden, SC

The experience of Camden, SC, during Hurricane Debby illustrates the real-world impact of GOGov’s solutions. As the storm approached, Camden’s staff used the Connect Camden SC app to send out multiple notifications, keeping residents informed about sandbag availability, power outages, and emergency contact numbers. Residents were able to submit service requests for power outages, which staff then used to assess the extent of the damage and prioritize repairs.

The success of Camden’s response highlights the effectiveness of GOGov’s solutions in a crisis. By providing a reliable platform for communication and resource management, GOGov enabled Camden to maintain order and keep their community safe during the storm.

The Main Benefits of GOGov’s Citizen Notification Solution

GOGov’s Citizen Notification solution offers several key benefits that make it an indispensable tool for local governments during a hurricane:

1. Direct Communication: Notifications are sent directly to residents’ mobile devices, ensuring that critical information is received in real time.
2. Customization: Local governments can customize notifications to meet the specific needs of their community, whether it’s weather alerts, shelter information, or updates on power outages.
3. Engagement: By keeping residents informed and engaged, GOGov’s notifications help build trust and strengthen the relationship between local governments and their communities.
4. Reliability: Unlike social media or other communication platforms, GOGov’s notifications are reliable and free from the clutter that can obscure important messages during a crisis.

Resident Enagement powered by GOGov

In the face of a hurricane, local governments need every tool at their disposal to keep their communities safe and informed. GOGov’s Citizen Requests, Notifications, and a local government branded mobile app provide a comprehensive solution for managing service requests, delivering real-time updates, and serving as a central hub for all storm-related information. By leveraging these tools, local governments can respond more effectively to hurricanes, ensuring that residents have the support and information they need to weather the storm. Schedule a demo with our team to learn more.

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