Local company Oceanit has developed a mobile damage assessment tool for the state's civil defense.

The company rolled out a consumer version, myMERCI, which is free in the iOS App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Users can make their location, choose from different dangers to report -- not just natural disasters.  The app sends information and updates.

"So let's say you're experiencing or see a shark attack or a burglary or a down tree somewhere.  You can document that, mark it as public.  When you sync it to the website, it will be available for everyone to see," said Shari Kawasaki from Oceanit.

myMERCI also allows users to document before and after pictures and generate private reports for insurance purposes.