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New Hurricane App Brings American Red Cross
Safety Information to Smart Phones
“I’m Safe” feature lets people
alert their loved ones with a push of a button
BIRMINGHAM,
Ala., August 1, 2012 - The
American Red Cross launched its official Hurricane App today, putting
lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or
who visit hurricane prone areas.
This free app is the second in a series to be created
by the American Red Cross, the nation’s leader in emergency
preparedness, 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. Building on the Red Cross’
leadership in the social media space, 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
hurricanes,” said Chris Osborne, Communications Officer for the
Alabama Red Cross. “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.”
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; and
·
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 App follows the recently released Red
Cross First Aid App which has had nearly 600,000 downloads
in just six weeks. Testimonials and positive reviews have shown how
dozens of people already have used the app to help in real-life
situations.
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.
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