New Tornado App Brings American Red Cross Safety Information to Mobile Devices
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: March 4, 2013
The American Red Cross has launched its official Tornado App. The app puts lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in, visit, or have loved ones in tornado-prone areas.
This free app--available in English or Spanish--gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone and tablet users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a tornado. The app includes a high-pitched siren and "tornado warning!" alert that signals people when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued in their area - even if the app is closed. An "all clear!" alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled.
"Tornadoes often happen in the overnight hours when people are sleeping," said Billy Baxter, Executive Officer for the Alabama Region. "The audible alerts in this app can save lives - even if users can't monitor the weather because they are away from radio, TV or in places where weather band radios may not work."
Other features of the app include:
Launched during National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the Tornado App is the latest in a series of mobile apps created by the Red Cross, the nation's leader in emergency preparedness. The apps have been used to help save lives during hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires.
"The Red Cross has made great strides in putting vital information in the hands of people who need it during emergencies. In fact, our apps are now on more than two million mobile devices across the country," added Baxter.
Mobile activity soared due to Superstorm Sandy:
Right after the storm, the Hurricane App was updated with real-time recovery information including Red Cross shelter and feeding sites, FEMA sites, open gas stations and warming centers to help those affected by the storm.
The Tornado App, along with the others, can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps. Apps can help prepare people for disasters, but they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. People can visit redcross.org/takeaclass for course information and to register.
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and we help people get ready to respond to emergencies by providing these apps for free. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.
