The American Red Cross has released its free Hurricane App, which gives instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane. Other features allow people to customize weather alerts to monitor locations where loved ones reside, and share information via social media. The app is available for iPhone and Android platforms, and can be found in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross.
"This Red Cross app provides important lifesaving information to people in areas threatened by hurricanes," says David Markenson, chair of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. "People can rely on it as the information gold standard and the go to resource for people on hurricane preparedness that also can give peace of mind to travelers, people who have second homes in hurricane prone areas and those with elderly relatives or college students in coastal areas."
Features include:
- One-touch "I'm safe" messaging that lets user broadcast via social media outlets;
- Location-based NOAA weather alerts for the U.S. and its territories;
- Remote monitoring of personalized weather alerts;
- Locations of open Red Cross shelters;
- Simple steps and checklists to creating 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.