The American Red Cross launched its new Tornado App during the annual National Severe Weather Preparedness Week (March 3-9, 2013) to bring safety information to mobile devices.
Image from redcross.org
The Tornado App provides real-time information and an alert signal in case of emergency. The app is free for Apple and Android users and is available in both English and Spanish. The app contributes an important safety bonus for users because tornadoes can happen any time throughout the year and often occur at night.
The Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the Red Cross serves over 1.6 million people. Kay Wilkins, CEO American Red Cross South Louisiana Region, said, “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.”
Features of the app include:
- Location-based NOAA tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood watch and warning alerts
- Enhanced weather maps and information provided by Weather Underground, a digital brand of The Weather Company
- One-touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends that they are out of harm’s way
- Simple steps and checklists people can use to create an emergency plan and share it with household members
- Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity
- Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm
- Locations of open Red Cross shelters
- Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.
“The Red Cross has made great strides in putting vital information in the hands of people who need it during emergencies,” Wilkins said. “In fact, our apps are now on more than two million mobile devices across the country.”
For more information or to download the app, visit the App Store or click here.