During a storm, the ability to communicate with others can make a huge difference in dangerous situations. To quickly alert people that you need help or that you are available to help in a storm, check out the app Zello. It's a push-to-talk app that works similarly to a walkie-talkie.
"It really enables citizens to go and help somebody else," explains Rob Gaudet, the founder of the Cajun Navy Ground Force.
Theirs is the biggest channel on Zello, and has become a life-saving tool since the flood of August 2016. Citizens in need can search for the Cajun Navy Zello channel and use it to reach rescuers in a disaster.
"It allows us to dispatch individuals and do boat rescues, to tarp roofs, and do all kinds of things," says Gaudet.
Zello outperforms walkie-talkies in that a channel can be accessed from any part of the country. As a frequent user, Gaudet says he sees practical uses for the app beyond storm season.
"Businesses actually use it if you're in a warehouse. Instead of walking to a person you can get on Zello, press a button and it will communicate directly to that person and to the entire group listening what you want to say to them. It's a great tool for anybody that wants to communicate with a lot of people," says Gaudet.
It's recommend to download the app before you may need it in a storm, but it won't take long to learn to navigate it.
"Zello is extremely user friendly," says Gaudet.
To learn more about the Zello app, click here.