Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus authorities announced that the SafeCY app will now notify users by push alert when imminent danger arises and urge them to take cover. The interior ministry and the deputy digital policy ministry made the announcement on Wednesday.
New push notification feature
SafeCY, which allows people to find the nearest bomb shelter, has been upgraded to include push notifications. The feature allows Civil Defence to send messages simultaneously to all app users or to a group of users in a specific area, as necessary.
All users will be able to see alerts sent for their information, even if the alerts do not concern them directly.
Downloads and installation guidance
Authorities said more than 170,000 people have downloaded the app, which is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
They called on all smartphone users to install the app or update it if already downloaded. Users were also urged to allow notifications and to permit the app’s use “always” when prompted.
Support and safety instructions
For support, users can call 1450, select 3 for the deputy digital policy ministry, and then select 5 for information regarding SafeCY.
In the case of an urgent alert, authorities urged people to follow Civil Defence instructions, move to a basement where available, or stay indoors and away from windows until further notice.
Government priority
Deputy Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Minister Nicodemos Damianou said enhancing urgent alert mechanisms and effectively protecting people was a top priority for the government, adding that doing so “demands the use of technology”.
Have you installed or updated SafeCY and enabled notifications on your phone?