The app offers direct access to several informational tools, including a map detailing areas affected by the disaster, a list of shelters and their locations, as well as the latest updates from the county and Cal-Fire.

During his State of the County address in February, San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts promised a public safety app would be created to ease emergency communications and provide important information in the palm of the community’s hand.

“Many people depend on smartphones and tablets to keep them connected to the world, and there’s no more critical time to stay connected during an emergency,” Roberts said.

Challenges with communication during a crisis have occurred in the past, especially during fires, which are known for moving and changing directions quickly as seen with the 2003 and 2007 California wildfires.

Fires are unfortunately commonplace in San Diego’s dry region.

Last month, the Shockey fire burned 2,851 acres in the southern part of the county that led to the death of an elderly man, and served as a reminder of the county’s fire season.

Sarah Gordon, a spokeswoman for the county, said the city’s effort to improve communication methods began as a result of the past wildfires.

Gordon stressed the importance of “multiple means of communication,” so information accessibility is not compromised.

“(It) lets people get critical emergency information at their fingertips wherever they are,” Gordon said.

Additional communication enhancements made recently include an upgraded reverse 911 system, an information-rich emergency website capable of handling high volumes of Internet traffic and the incorporation of social media use, especially via Twitter.

Another prominent feature of the app is a list of supplies families should include in a prepared emergency kit.

The app, which is compatible with smartphones and tablets, can be downloaded for free at sdcountyemergency.com.