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New app aims to keep travellers safe outdoors

Apr 9, 2019 | 3:56 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A new app for smartphones allows those who love to get outside an opportunity to let know they’re safe.

The AdventureSmart Trip Plan app, created by the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada, launched in February. South East Alberta Search and Rescue (SEASAR), the local search and rescue organization, are members of the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada.

“It’s talking about the three Ts, which is training, taking the essentials and trip planning,” said Sue Berner, a search manager with SEASAR.

The app allows people to create trip plans for when they’re going outdoors, and allows them to send the plans to emergency contacts. The plans include the duration of your trip, the location, date of arrival and departure, and travelling companions.

If a person doesn’t arrive at their destination, the information entered is sent to the emergency contact on the app, who can then notify police or search and rescue organizations.“If somebody is overdue, and they’re contacting the police or other tasking agencies – RCMP, parks, whoever it may be- it gives us more information to get started on our search for the person or people who may be missing,” said Berner.

Berner adds its important for people who are travelling outdoors to have an emergency plan in place

“The app actually lets you look at things like what’s the weather like where you’re going to be, what other items you can take for your essentials,” she said. “If you look at that, some people go out and they’re unprepared. So, if they don’t have the training, and they don’t have the essentials, and they make a trip plan, that’s awesome, because it gives us a head start.”

The app is a free download on both the App Store and the Google Play Store for Android phones.