FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — A local fire department is working to better prepare the community for emergencies.

Freeport Fire Department is rolling out “Community Connect.” It’s a voluntary app that allows residents to report and stay in contact during an emergency.

“It’s important to enter the information, but then also keep it up to date. If anything changes, if someone moves out of the home, if your hazards in the home change, if you do some remodeling that might impact the information that you put into the system, those are all important things to make sure that you keep up on,” said Freeport Fire Chief Bradley Liggett.

Users can also use the portal to call for help from first responders. Businesses are also encouraged to use the app, so the fire department knows its evacuation procedures and hazardous materials list.

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