by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross
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| The new Red Cross Tornado app can save lives by sounding a siren during tornado warnings |
The siren will go off even if you are not running the app, so the audible alert can save lives because users might not otherwise know of the danger in their area. For example, many tornadoes happen at night, when people are sleeping. The tornadoes that hit the Metroplex last April were in the middle of the day, when many people were at work and not monitoring the news or weather.
The app is designed to give users access to local and real-time information about what to do before, during and after a tornado hits. It’s available in English and Spanish, and is free for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
Other features include:
- An “all clear!” alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled
- A “I’m safe” button to let loved ones and friends know when you’re out of harm’s way
- Simple steps and checklists people can use to create an emergency plan and share it with household members
- Preloaded preparedness content that gives instant access to critical action steps even without mobile connectivity
- Toolkit with a flashlight, a strobe light and an audible alarm
- Locations of open Red Cross shelters
- Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.
You can download the Tornado App now by searching for Red Cross 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. Don’t forget to also check out our other apps: First Aid, Hurricane, Earthquake and Wild Fire.
Let us know what you think of the app & don't forget to tell your friends in tornado-prone areas to download it!
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