The new SaskAlert mobile app aims to keep people in Saskatchewan alerted to emergencies in the province.
A SaskAlert may be issued when there is an emergency that could harm people or damage property – including wildfires, tornadoes and train derailments – along with evacuations or local emergency declarations.
“We are encouraging all residents to download the SaskAlert app today to receive real-time information about emergencies as they unfold,” said Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan’s minister of government relations.
“This app notifies residents so they can take immediate action to protect themselves and their families.”
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Users will also be notified even when the app is closed, putting crucial information directly into their hands.
Settings will allow users to receive emergency alerts for the entire province, a select community including urban, rural and First Nations, or for multiple communities.
Along with the app, the province launched the SaskAlert.ca website, where detailed information can be accessed as emergencies progress.
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People will also be informed about emergencies through any media outlets licensed to broadcast in Saskatchewan, including Global Saskatoon and Global Regina.
Officials said SaskAlert is Saskatchewan’s contribution to a national emergency public alerting system.