An active shooter application for mobile devices has now been made available to Fort Huachuca employees and the public, courtesy of the Directorate of Emergency Services.
The app is free and can easily be downloaded onto any smart phone or iPad. The app is contracted through QuickSeries Inc., which already produces Fort Huachuca’s fire and active shooter guides.
“I think it might save lives. If a person is in that situation and they follow the guidelines in the guide, then they will hopefully survive,†said Deputy Director Lee Branham, Directorate of Emergency Services, Fort Huachuca.
The app contains the same information as the active shooter guide available on post but is now easier to access without having to carry the pamphlet around.
“We thought if we can do something electronic then it be easier because most people carry a smart phone now,†Branham said.
“The biggest reason for this app is because nowadays it’s so easy to get a weapon for adults and kids. Throughout the world right now there have been a lot of active shooters, so we thought we would try and do something preventative, and help people if they are in that situation so they can respond to it,†Branham added.
The app should be read and reviewed after installing it to the mobile device in preparation for a situation, should it occur. The basic thing is to just study the guide provided, and the user cannot go wrong by studying it, Branham said.
“The big thing is that if they’re even in the active shooter situation then they have something they can go back to and look at and see what they need to do,†he added.
This is the first time an active shooter app has been available.
“As far as I know we are the first ones, but we sent it out through Installation Management Command and have received some phone calls asking about it, so I am not sure who is using it,†Branham added.
“If they [the user] read the guide on the phone, first it will tell them to barricade themselves or get out the closest exit if they can. Then if they are barricaded, then look through the guide on the phone,†he said.
“It also has the phone numbers to the Military Police Station, and if you just hit the button it will call it right away,†Branham said.
Since the application became available about a year ago, eight people have downloaded it. It is available for 850 downloads paid for by DES. “If more people want to download the app, DES will look into purchasing more,†he added.
DES encourages all to download the app to be better prepared. The app is only free when using the code provided in the side bar. Step-by-step downloading directions are available in the side bar.
How to download free QuickSeries Mobile Reader app
1. Use your mobile device to visit: www.quickseries.com/reader.
2. Select your device, and tap on the appropriate icon.
3. Depending upon the device you selected, you will be re-directed to either iTunes® or the Android market to install your free QuickSeries Mobile Reader.
How to Enter the Account ID, r56utc3v
1. Launch the QuickSeries on your mobile device.
2. From the HOMEPAGE, tap on BOOKSTORE.
3. iPhone® users: Tap on ACCESS WEB ACCOUNT. You will be prompted with a dialog box to confirm that you will be directed to the web via your browser.
Androidâ„¢ users: Tap on ENTER ACCOUNT ID.
4. Enter your Account ID, r56utc3v in the provided field.
5. Tap on SUBMIT.
6. Follow the download instructions as provided.
7. Go to MY LIBRARY to access your new eGuide(s).
If you experience any difficulties, consult the help page at: www.quickseries.com/faq or by telephone at: 1.800.361.4653 (toll-free) © 2011 QuickSeries Publishing Inc.
