GouvAlert

The government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has developed a mobile application to broadcast alerts to the population via their smartphone: "GouvAlert.lu". This free application is available on Apple Store and Google Play and has a dual functionality:

• firstly, it allows the 112 (Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps) to issue alerts on major incidents. Users are also able to contact the emergency number, 112, directly through the app. Calls to 112 through the app will automatically include a geo-tag, so the emergency services can locate the call and respond as quickly and accurately as possible;
• secondly, it allows users to receive alerts, by way of a notification on their smartphone, when there is an emergency or a state of crisis which has an impact on public safety.

The app supplements the Luxembourg authorities' existing alert system, and is part of an overarching effort to raise public awareness of risk situations and to familiarise the population with such situations, and how best to protect themselves.

For preventive purposes, information on what to do in case of emergencies, and on various emergency action plans, can also be accessed through the app when it is not being used for emergency alert broadcasts.