A cool idea is coming out of the City of Chicago. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has started publishing QR (quick response) codes that link to its web sites that provide emergency information. QR codes are pretty simple. They are basically a way of storing information graphically so that it can be read quickly. Their use is catching on quickly to the general public; many people like the idea of taking a picture with their mobile device to retrieve information. It saves key strokes, including backspaces to correct errors.
Delores Robinson of Chicago OEMC told us, “Other entities are providing the same and similar resources. We want to stay cutting edge, especially when it’s cost effective and efficient.” She said the QR code initiative cost the city very little. OEMC uses a free QR code app called QR Reader. The process is simple:
- Citizens download QR Reader. It’s free, and many people have it already.
- Citizens open the application, and take a picture of the QR codes published by OEMC on its web sites and through other media.
- The City updates its web sites with important information, particularly during emergencies.
- Citizens quick link to the web sites using the QR codes.
Granted, citizens could store URLs on their devices for fast links to emergency management web sites. Maybe they have. But, the QR code use is, well, cool and will likely generate more buzz than simply asking the public to keep a URL handy on their mobile devices in case of emergency. People like to show off cool things on their mobile devices; I sure have my favorites.
Robinson is quick to point out that the QR code initiative is not the only way OEMC is making information more accessible. She said, “It’s important that we provide the traditional means of communication.” She also said Chicago OEMC would be glad to share information about their QR codes to other public safety agencies. (If you like, let us know and we’ll put you in touch with her.) You can find tools to create your own QR codes by doing a key word search on "QR Code Generators".
So, hats off to Chicago OEMC for taking a simple concept, deploying it, and generating good buzz for one of their ways for getting emergency information into the hands of as many people as possible as quickly as possible.
All the best,
Rick
City of Chicago Emergency Management QR Code
