American Red Cross Introduces New Earthquake App for Mobile Devices

The American Red Cross has followed on the successful launch of its First Aid and Hurricane apps with the introduction of its free Earthquake App. The new app is available in both English and Spanish and is available for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. The Earthquake App, can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. The American Red Cross makes clear that the app can help prepare people for disasters, but does not replace training.

Dr. Stephen J. Jensen, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Committee, and a professor in emergency management at California State University at Long Beach, is quoted on the American Red Cross website: “This app give users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after earthquakes. The new, simplified ‘Shake Zone Impact Maps’ provide users with personalized local impact information on the status of their community in order to help them make crucial decisions.”

Features of the app include:

Earthquake epicenter location, impact magnitude and local geographical impact data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey

Personalized push notifications, monitoring both magnitude and geography

A “Shake Zone Impact Map” that provides real-time, simplified impact assessment when available

Comprehensive reporting of all seismic activity for every geographic area in the United States

Options to view the app in English or Spanish based on user handset settings

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

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

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

http://www.homelandsecurity.org/node/572