The American Red Cross has launched its official Earthquake App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit earthquake prone areas.
 
This free app-–available in English or Spanish-–is the third in a series created by the American Red Cross, the nation’s leader in emergency preparedness, for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. The Earthquake App comes on the heels of the highly successful First Aid and Hurricane apps, which have been downloaded more than 1 million times.
 
“This newest app gives instant access to local and real time information on what to do before, during and after earthquakes,” said Chuck Morrison, Regional Director.  “People will receive earthquake notifications and can monitor activity where other family and friends reside. People who do not live in earthquake-prone areas can have peace of mind knowing you’ll have instant information about loved ones.”
 
New “Shake Zone Impact Maps” give users personalized local impact information to help them make crucial decisions.
 
Features of the app include:
·         Earthquake notifications showing the epicenter, magnitude and intensity maps;
·         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;
·         Options to view the app in English or Spanish based on user handset settings;
·         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;
·         Information on events that may happen after earthquakes such as fires and tsunamis;
·         Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and
·         Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.
 
Over the past three months, the Red Cross has made great strides in putting vital information in the hands of people who need it during emergencies. More than 1 million people have downloaded the First Aid and Hurricane Apps. People have used the content in our First Aid App to control bleeding, care for broken bones and help people having seizures. Our Hurricane App was used to find Red Cross shelters and to send “I’m safe” messages during Hurricane Isaac. National Red Cross experts in health, safety and preparedness have thoroughly reviewed and field tested the information and advice provided in Red Cross apps.
 
Snohomish County Red Cross:    Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The local Chapter responds, on average, to a fire every five days, over 70 times per year. Annually, the Chapter assists over 150 local families affected by fires and other local disasters, presents disaster education and preparedness programs to over 10,000 people attended, and trains more than 9,000 people in live-saving skills such as First Aid/CPR/AED and water safety.  www.snohomishcounty.redcross.org  

American Red Cross:    The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.      www.redcross.org   |  blog.redcross.org