American Red Cross Encourages People to Download Hurricane Mobile App
By: Blake Deshazo
Updated: October 26, 2012
American Red Cross Encourages People to Download Hurricane Mobile App
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., October 26, 2012 --
Even though Hurricane Sandy is not forecasted to effect
Alabama, the American Red Cross encourages Alabama residents to download
its Hurricane App, create or update their family disaster plan, and
restock their emergency preparedness kits. Also, our staff and
volunteers are monitoring the progress of this and other
storm systems and if need be, we are on standby to deploy trained Red
Cross volunteers to help in other areas of the country.
The
American Red Cross Hurricane App puts lifesaving information right in
the hands of people who live in or who visit hurricane prone areas. This
free app--available in English or Spanish--is
for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. It gives users instant
access to local and real time information on what to do before, during
and after hurricanes. The app also includes a number of features that
allow people to monitor personalized weather alerts
in locations where family and friends reside and share information with
others in their social networks who might also need it.
"We
want everyone to be to be ready for the possible effects of a
hurricane," said Chris Osborne, Communications Officer for the Alabama
Red Cross. "The American Red Cross has resources to
help people plan for emergencies and prepare their households and
workplaces."
Other features of the app 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 Hurricane can be found in the iTunes
or Google
Play app stores by searching for American Red Cross. The Red
Cross First Aid App helps people learn what to do in an emergency in case help is delayed. Download all of the preparedness apps at redcross.org/mobile-apps.
People can go to redross.org
for additional information and resources.
