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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 24, 2026 |
Kennebunk, ME — The Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) announced today a first in the nation pilot of ALRM, an emergency notification app designed to address a longstanding gap in how Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals receive critical safety information when they travel. Beginning September 4, ALRM technology will become available at both the Kennebunk northbound and southbound service plazas, making MTA the first transportation organization in the country to host the accessible emergency alert technology in a public transportation environment frequented by tourists.
The ALRM app was created by Maine resident Gavin Phelan, who began developing the technology at just 14 years old. Now 16 and preparing to start school next week, Gavin’s work has already begun to influence conversations about inclusive safety systems.
An Equity Gap in Emergency Alerts Built Around Sound
Gavin started ALRM in direct response to several heartbreaking incidents — including the Lewiston mass shooting in Maine, where a DHH cornhole tournament was underway. Several participants could not hear the warning of an active shooter. Their lives were lost. That same year, a Deaf couple in Maine died from carbon monoxide poisoning because they could not hear their detector.
“These moments showed me a gap no one should have to experience,” Gavin explains. “Current emergency notification systems aren’t built for everyone. So, I’ve been learning how to build an app that might make a difference. Next week, we get to see it in action on an interstate highway.
Today, more than 11 million Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the United States face this gap every day. Public spaces — including airports, campuses, restaurants, and retail stores — mostly rely almost entirely on audible alarms, sirens, and intercom announcements. For many, those kinds of notifications are not accessible. And during emergencies, when seconds matter most, information is survival.
A Tool for Emergencies When Sound Alone Isn’t Enough
ALRM provides real-time notifications of potential danger by detecting sounds such as fire alarms, gunshots, sirens, and other emergency alerts. The app requires no Wi Fi, is free to users, and is designed to work where an ALRM zone is established.
One of Gavin’s biggest needs right now is user experience feedback as the app enters its public phase. ALRM was built specifically to address the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, but its potential reaches beyond that community as well, including people who are sensitive to noise, travelers listening to music or podcasts through earbuds, and older adults experiencing hearing loss. Transportation environments are loud in general, making accessible safety tools even more important.
Gavin’s other need is visibility, reach, and opportunities to connect the technology to real-world environments. Transportation helps the public get where they need to go safely, and by establishing ALRM zones at both Kennebunk service plazas, MTA can provide a pathway to gather meaningful feedback from travelers nationwide during the pilot. Beginning September 4, visitors will see plaza signage displaying QR codes that allow for immediate download and enrollment.
Launching During Deaf Awareness Month
The app doesn’t solve every challenge, and it’s not meant to,” said Andre Briere, Executive Director of the MTA. “But it’s an important tool to have in the toolbox. No one should feel excluded from the systems meant to protect them. When I met Gavin, I saw a Maine-born combination of compassion and innovation with the potential to drive progress in emergency communication equity. A successful pilot in Maine could encourage transportation agencies nationwide to explore similar accessibility initiatives.”
Press Conference – September 4, 10 A.M.
A public press conference will be held at the Kennebunk northbound plaza at 10:00 A.M. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Speakers include:
An ASL interpreter will be available for broadcast and media coverage. A live demonstration of the ALRM technology will be provided for members of the press. Attendees will be able to meet Gavin.
For press inquiries or to RSVP for the September 4 event, contact Rebecca Grover, director of communications and government relations for MTA. For information about ALRM, visit www.getalrm.com
Communication Access at the Public Demo
The MTA has reserved one hearing ASL interpreter and one Certified Deaf Interpreter to support communication at the public demo.