The Hurricane App personalizes preparedness information, features ‘I’m safe’ messaging
The American Red Cross launched its official Hurricane App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit hurricane-prone areas.
American Red Cross Hurricane App Preview
This free app is the second in a series to be created by the American Red Cross, for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. It gives instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during, and after hurricanes. It also includes a number of features that allow people to monitor personalized weather alerts in locations where family and friends reside and to share information with others in their social networks who might also need it.
App features include:
- One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;
- Location-based NOAA weather alerts for the United States and its territories users can share on social networks;
- Remote monitoring of personalized weather alerts where family and friends reside;
- Locations of open Red Cross shelters;
- Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;
- Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps even without mobile connectivity;
- Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and
- Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.
The two apps created by the Red Cross — the Hurricane and First Aid Apps — can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. Downloading the First Aid App is not a substitute for training . The Red Cross says that First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed.
