BOSTON (AP) — In keeping with the times, smartphone apps and text alerts could help residents cope with the effects of Hurricane Sandy as the strong storm heads for the east coast.

Related: CBS Boston Weather Alerts

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is offering a free Ping4alerts app that will allow Bay State residents to receive weather alerts and other important messages from emergency officials during the storm.

Gallery: Latest Sandy Forecast Maps

The app was developed by Nashua, N.H.-based Ping4 Inc., and can be downloaded to Apple or Android smartphones and iPads.

Check: Tracking Maps  |  Interactive Radar  |  Current Conditions  |  Forecast Maps

The app can be downloaded at www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp .

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.