"There's a new, free tool to help Americans monitor power outages in real time. Compiling data from its vast network of home sensors, startup Whisker Labs is launching the feature today in its Ting app. You don't actually need to have one of these sensors in your home to use the Ting app to track a power outage. Whisker Labs, which shared the announcement first with The Verge, says it is the only app to offer immediate outage alerts at such a hyperlocal level."
"The service is based on a network of 1.1 million homes across the US that have installed a Whisker Labs sensor, also called Ting, meant to prevent electrical fires. The sensor detects micro-arcing or sparking, perhaps the result of faulty wiring or a malfunctioning device. The sensor is primarily meant to give residents enough advance warning that they take action to stop that arcing from becoming a full-blown fire."
The Ting app now offers a free outage-monitoring feature that compiles data from a nationwide network of home sensors. Users can monitor power outages in real time without owning a sensor. The network includes 1.1 million homes using Whisker Labs sensors that detect micro-arcing or sparking to warn residents of electrical-fire risk. Whisker Labs CEO Bob Marshall cofounded the company after a family electrical fire. Hyperlocal, immediate outage alerts aim to help residents determine whether homes have power during weather-related blackouts and disasters while utilities work to restore service.
Read at The Verge
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