The Challenge:
In Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, the community faces frequent landslides due to soil erosion, a situation that poses significant risks to residents and their properties. The geographic and environmental conditions exacerbate the challenges of disseminating timely and effective preparedness information, making it difficult for residents to respond appropriately during emergencies. Click here to verify
"Landslides can happen with little warning, and not knowing what to do has cost us dearly in the past," - Elmar (a local resident)
The Solution:
Leyla, a software developer with a passion for community safety, spearheaded the development of a comprehensive mobile application designed to improve emergency preparedness among residents. This app provides easy access to critical information, tools, and resources, empowering individuals and families to plan and prepare for emergencies effectively.
"Creating this app was about putting lifesaving information at everyone’s fingertips, helping our community to stay safe and informed," - Leyla (App Developer)
The Implementation:
Leyla and her team developed the app with a focus on user-friendliness and reliability. It includes preparedness checklists and guides for various emergency scenarios, particularly landslides, along with practical, step-by-step preparation instructions. The app features a real-time alert and notification system, integrated with local emergency services to provide users with immediate warnings about potential landslide risks. Community forums and support features were also incorporated, allowing users to connect with each other, share personal experiences, and offer mutual support during emergencies. In addition to building the app, Leyla launched an extensive education campaign to promote the app’s benefits. She organized workshops and partnered with local media and community organizations to demonstrate how to effectively use the app, focusing on ensuring that people of all ages and abilities could engage with its features.
"Our community now feels more prepared and connected. The app’s alerts and resources have truly transformed how we approach disaster preparedness," - Fatima (a local community leader)
The Impact:
The introduction of the emergency preparedness mobile app has had a profound impact on the community's ability to manage landslide risks. With real-time alerts and access to comprehensive preparedness resources, residents have been able to respond to landslide warnings with greater speed and efficiency, significantly reducing the incidents of injury and property damage.
"The app hasn’t just informed us; it has equipped us to actively safeguard our families and neighbors," - Mirza (a local user of the app)
Lessons Learned:
- User-Friendly Design is Crucial: The accessibility and simplicity of the app’s design have been key factors in its successful adoption across diverse age groups and technological skill levels.
- Real-Time Information Saves Lives: Timely alerts and updates about landslides have proven essential for giving residents sufficient time to react and take necessary safety measures.
- Community Engagement Enhances Effectiveness: The integration of community forums has not only provided emotional support but also practical assistance during emergencies, highlighting the importance of social features in emergency preparedness apps.
- Ongoing Education and Promotion: Continuous efforts to educate the community about the app and its features are crucial for maintaining high levels of engagement and preparedness.
