Red Cross Launches Powerful New App with Everything You Need to Know in an Emergency

DULUTH, Minn. Thursday, April 16, 2015 - The American Red Cross announces the release of its new Emergency App which gives people instant access to weather alerts, life-saving information and ways to contact family and friends in one free, easy-to-use app for mobile devices.

This all-inclusive app provides expert advice on what to do in case of disasters such as floods, tornadoes, home fires, wildfires and more. It covers 14 different types of disasters and lets users customize more than 35 emergency alerts so that they will know what to do no matter where they live or travel. The free Emergency App is available in app stores for smartphones and tablets by searching for the American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.

“When an emergency occurs, it’s important for families to stay safe and connected,” said Dan Williams, Executive Director for the American Red Cross serving Northern Minnesota. "Since April 1, 2015, the Red Cross has responded to more than 30 disasters across the state, mostly home fires, helping more than 70 families. The Emergency App helps families prepare for and recover from home fires and other disasters.”

“Family Safe” is a new, unique feature that allows the app user to notify loved ones who are in an area affected by an emergency or disaster. The recipient can instantly see the alert details as well as specific “what to do now” steps, and then respond with either “I’m safe” or “I’m not safe.” This feature works even if the recipient has not downloaded the Emergency App.

The Emergency App has many features, including:

• Emergency first aid information for situations such as heart attacks, heat-related emergencies as well as water safety information;

• Preloaded content so users can access guidance from Red Cross experts even without mobile connectivity;

• A single map with open Red Cross shelter locations and weather information;

• A home fire section with detailed prevention and safety tips as well as Red Cross “After the Fire” information;

• A “Make a Plan” feature to help families plan what to do and where to go if a disaster strikes; and

• The ability to easily toggle between English and Spanish.

In addition to smartphones and tablets, this feature will be available on the new Apple Watch and can be downloaded from the Apple Watch App Store starting April 24.

Red Cross apps have been downloaded more than 6 million times and nearly 400 million alerts have been sent since the launch of the first app in 2012. In the past year alone, more than 350 million pages were viewed and the “I’m Safe” feature was accessed just over 550,000 times across all preparedness apps.

While apps can help prepare someone for disasters, it’s important to note that they are not substitutes for training. People can take Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED courses so they’ll know what to do in case help is delayed. They can get information and register at redcross.org/TakeAClass.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; 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 humanitarian mission. The American Red Cross serving Northern Minnesota serves more than 570,000 people in Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Clearwater, Cook, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Roseau, St. Louis and Wadena counties in Minnesota and Douglas County, Wisconsin. For more information, please visit redcross.org/mn. Like us on Facebook: American Red Cross serving Northern Minnesota.