Red Cross Debuts Hurricane App

The American Red Cross launched its official Hurricane App Wednesday.

This free app is the second in a series to be created by the American Red Cross for use on both iPhone and Android. It gives instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during, and after hurricanes.

The Hurricane App follows the recently released Red Cross First Aid App which has had nearly 600,000 downloads in just six weeks.

Building on the Red Cross’ leadership in the social media space, the Hurricane 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 ready for hurricanes,” said Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes, CEO, American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania.

“The Red Cross Hurricane App allows people to receive and spread emergency information and to share their own status with friends and loved ones through social networks, anywhere, anytime.”

Last year, Hurricane Irene displaced thousands of people from their homes in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

The launch of the Red Cross hurricane app comes just before what is traditionally the busiest period of the Atlantic hurricane season.

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.
• Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

The app enables people across the country to receive alerts for locations in areas where they like to vacation or where loved ones live, giving peace of mind to travelers, people who winter in warmer climates, and those with elderly relatives or college students in coastal areas.

National Red Cross experts in health, safety, and preparedness have thoroughly reviewed and field tested the information and advice provided in this app.

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.

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.