Hurricane software for cell phones

[Cookiely]

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Researchers at the University of South Florida are working on a program that could save lives when a hurricane hits.

Sean Barbeau has spent the past five years developing a piece of technology that could save lives in major emergencies. That program could be used by a piece of technology almost everyone has these days - a cell phone.

Cell phone users can access the application during a storm to find out exactly which evacuation zone they are in and whether they need to get out.

"We figured there was a way to provide more personalized and specific information to each individual so it would be more likely for the information to be relevant to them based on where they currently are," Barbeau said.

The program would also provide other pieces of valuable information. For instance, if there was a run of gasoline in the area, a driver would be able to find out the location of the nearest gas station that still had fuel available.

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Plus, if the hurricane changes paths, the program would notify drivers already on the road that they need to change their route.

The technology isn't just useful for hurricanes. If an Amber Alert is issued, the GPS will pinpoint the location of cell phones in the area and let the driver know what to look for.

Reactions are mixed from drivers. Alexander Lopez has GPS on his phone, and he said he would use the program.

"It can keep you out of harm's way," he said. "It's very useful, and you can notify your family as well."

Others are not so sure.

"I think the younger drivers might be interested," said Laura Topalli. "Older drivers might think it's a distraction."

If the service does become available to the public, then users would have the ability to opt-in to the service, ensuring that the only people who would get the messages are those who choose to receive them.

[Hurritrax]

That's extremely good information....plus, the Apple IPhone already has hurricane tracking applications available also.

[gtalum]

That's extremely good information....plus, the Apple IPhone already has hurricane tracking applications available also.

I was looking, and trying to decide which one is best to purchase. Do you have any opinions?