Red Cross Launches New App

The American Red Cross has launched its new “Emergency App.” The App allows users to gain instant accesses to a variety of life-saving information, including weather alerts, expert advice, and ways to contact family and friends.

“When an emergency occurs, it’s important for families to stay safe and connected,” Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO of the Hawai’i Red Cross said. “Our emergency app does just that. 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.”

One new unique feature of the app is “Family Safe,” which allows users to notify loved ones who are in areas affected by an emergency or disaster. When an alert is sent, the receiver can see “what to do now” and respond with “I’m safe” or “I’m not safe.” The feature works even if the recipient does not have the app downloaded.

Other features of the emergency app include:

• Emergency first aid information for situations such as heart attacks and 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.
• The ability to easily toggle between English and Spanish languages.

According to the Red Cross, their apps have been downloaded more than six million times, and since the launch of the first app in 2012, over 400 million alerts have been sent. In the past year alone, officials say that 350 million pages were viewed and the “I’m Safe” feature was accessed over 555,000 times.

Screen shot of alerts on American Red Cross’ new “Emergency App.” Red Cross image.

Screen shot of Family Safe on American Red Cross’ new “Emergency App.” Red Cross image.

Screen shot of Notification Settings on American Red Cross’ new “Emergency App.” Red Cross image.

Screen shot of Safety Status on American Red Cross’ new “Emergency App.” Red Cross image.