Brandon’s ‘My City’ App Now Features Emergency Push Notifications

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Information Technology Department is pleased to announce that the latest update of its new “My City” app for Apple devices now includes push notification technology designed to send alerts directly to a user’s device in the event of an emergency. The updated “My City” app is now available for free download to iPhones and iPads via the Apple App Store by simply searching for “Brandon My City.”

Designed to be used by the Brandon Police Service and other City of Brandon Emergency Response personnel only when a situation dictates it, the “My City” app’s new emergency push notification feature will send a notification from the City of Brandon directly to a user’s iPhone or iPad. The user can then simply tap the notification and open the app for more details. Within this new alert system, such emergency notifications pushed to the app will be simultaneously published to all City-affiliated websites, where non-Apple device users will be able to access the information. In addition, the alerts will be fed from the City of Brandon’s open data portal, http://opengov.brandon.ca, which will allow community developers and news organizations to tap into the information for timely use on respective websites and apps.

“If an emergency unfolds, it is critical for the City of Brandon to be able to spread the information as quickly and as widely as possible,” notes City of Brandon Director of Information Technology Todd Burton. “With users of our ‘My City’ app now able to receive direct emergency notifications, along with the ability for community developers to leverage such important information on their own platforms, we are hopeful our proactive efforts will improve our efforts to inform our community when it most counts.”

Other new features within the latest “My City” app update include native support of iPads, an improved display when using the City of Brandon’s interactive Snow Map, as well as access to the City of Brandon’s online “Report an Issue” web form. The app also allows users to view upcoming community events, access City of Brandon public notices, use the “My Community” portal to view and register for various rec programs, courses & facility bookings, launch Google Transit to plan a trip with Brandon Transit, access the City of Brandon’s YouTube channel, view Brandon City Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes and seek Brandon Municipal Airport information.

App users are always encouraged to provide feedback on features they would like to see added into future builds of the app by submitting their comments within the app’s feedback form.