Red Cross Poised to Respond to Severe Weather

Flood and tornado apps can help save lives

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sunday, April 27, 2014 — Red Cross volunteers and staff across the Tennessee Volunteer Region in Middle and West Tennessee are on stand-by and ready to respond to assist anyone who may be affected by the dangerous severe weather outbreak that is forecasted to strike over the next three days. 

“The Red Cross wants to encourage everyone to understand the importance of being prepared and to know what to do in the event of a tornado or flood that may be caused by this storm system,” said Joel Sullivan, Regional CEO of the Tennessee Volunteer Region.  “Download our free Red Cross tornado and flood apps now, to get life-saving safety tools in the palm of your hand before disaster strikes.”

Red Cross mobile apps provide expert, emergency information when and where you need it. These free apps gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a flood or a tornado. The content is available in English and Spanish based on the user’s language settings on their mobile device. The app includes location-based, audible NOAA tornado, flood and flash flood watches and warnings – even if the app is closed.

Other features of the apps include:

·        One-touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to send a message letting family and friends know that they are out of harm’s way;

·        Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;

·        Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm to let others know where you are;

·        Locations of open Red Cross shelters;

·        Real-time recovery resources for returning home and cleaning up; and

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

 

The Flood and Tornado Apps, along with the others, can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps. Apps can help prepare people for disasters, but they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross 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.
 
Guides on what to do before, during and after a tornado or severe storm are also available on redcross.org. You can use checklists to gather supplies and make sure your family has a plan, and even get clarifications on severe weather myths and facts. 

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and helps people get ready to respond to emergencies by providing these preparedness apps for free. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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