HONOLULU — The American Red Cross has launched its official Hurricane App, putting lifesaving information 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
HONOLULU — The American Red Cross has launched its official Hurricane App, putting lifesaving information 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, according to a news release. It gives instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after hurricanes.
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 ready for hurricanes,” said Coralie Matayoshi, CEO of the American Red Cross, Hawai‘i State Chapter. “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 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 Hurricane App follows the recently released Red Cross First Aid App which has had nearly 600,000 downloads in 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, the press release reminds users.
First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed.
For more information, visit redcross.org/takeaclass.
The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters.
All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free.
The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others.
To send a contribution, mail a check to American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816.
Donors can also make a secure online donation at www.hawaiiredcross.org or by calling (808) 739-8109.
