According to officials, the idea is to “reach younger residents who spend more time on the Xbox, PlayStation or Wii than with television or radio” and it’s actually part of a bigger program called Empire 2.0. Other things happening under the Empire 2.0 project include:

[T]he Department of Mental Health is monitoring some Facebook posts in an effort to spot suicidal behaviour, the Office of Homeland Security is using Second Life to train 700,000 first responders, and senior members of the state CIO’s office are using Twitter to disseminate information about technology initiatives to the public.

Basically, it feels like a good blend between the services and technology we use every day and important government programs. Now we just need a way to get emergency alerts to those of us who no longer watch live TV, listen to regular radio or play video games much. Or am I the only one? [Information Week via Slashdot]

Intended for nurseries, hospitals and Angelina Jolie, the BabyScatt Evacuation Device is a cart that can safely hold six infants or four toddlers in case of an emergency.

Metal bars surrounding all sides of the cart work to protect the babies as one adult maneuvers them down stairs, over rough terrain and out of harm’s way. Or if you’re Kate Gosselin, you can use this cart to strap your kids in and manoeuvre them into the spotlight—unfortunately there’s no way for her to strap in her, uh, reluctant husband, too. [BabyScatt via CraziestGadgets]

Enticing marketing copy seals the deal:

Nothing lifts the spirits like a good yodel, but most of us don’t have the skill to yodel on cue. That’s where the Emergency Yodel Button comes in. Keep this 4″ x 3″ x 5/8″ plastic device with you at all times and when the need arises, press the button to hear the sweet mellifluous warbling of an alpine yodel.

That’s certainly correct. I neither have the ability, nor the desire, to emit a skilled yodel on cue. Costs $US12.50 and your dignity. FYI: Goes well with this. [Archie McPhee via Red Ferret]

[Optus]

Optus launches Australian Pre-Paid Mobile First – IOU Credit

Optus announced today a new Pre-Paid Mobile feature that will enable Optus Pre-Paid Mobile customers who run out of credit, when they need to make an urgent phone call or text, the chance to borrow $3 by simply texting IOU to 468 (IOU) – a FREE text.

Optus Pre-Paid IOU Credit, an Australian first, is designed to provide a solution for Pre-Paid customers who hate the inconvenience of running out of credit at untimely moments. When customers next re-charge they will automatically reimburse Optus from their account.

The service will be available to all existing and new Pre-Paid Mobile Optus customers across all rate plans.

Michael Smith, Optus Corporate and Consumer Group Marketing Director said, “This is another example of Optus offering innovative solutions for its customers. Research shows us that customers feel confident using Pre-Paid mobile as a way to control spending, however they do not like running out of credit. Optus IOU Credit means customers will not be caught short when they need to make important calls.”

Optus is a leader in the Australian Pre-Paid market with over 3.9 million Pre-Paid mobile customers* and has a reputation of offering customers value, recently launching ‘Recharge and Always Win’ which guarantees a prize for all customers who recharge with $30 or more.

To find out more about the IOU product visit www.optus.com.au/ioucredit

It also has a 5-year shelf life which the company has backed with a guarantee. Obviously, it makes more sense in the long term to have a rechargeable backup solution, but if you are caught in an emergency situation, dropping around US$6 on a Juicebar seems like a decent option. Juicebar is compatible with Nokia, Sony, Samsung, Motorola and Blackberry phones with an LG version coming soon—but, unfortunately, it is available in the UK only. [Juicebar via Gizmag]