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 New Red Cross Flood App is now available
App's
audio flood and flash flood alerts can help save lives
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[March 20, 2014]
PEORIA — The American Red Cross
announced its new Flood App to help save lives and reduce losses
from floods and flash floods.
This free app gives iPhone, iPad and Android smartphone users
instant access to local and real-time information so they know what
to do before, during and after a flood. The content is available in
English and Spanish, based on the user's language settings on their
mobile device. The app includes location-based, audible NOAA flood
and flash flood watches and warnings — even if the app is closed.
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 Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States,
and people can use the Red Cross app to create emergency plans so
all household members know what to do if flooding threatens," said
Glenn Fisher, disaster program manager for the Red Cross. "The
audible alerts in the app can save lives — even when users are away
from a radio or TV."
Other features of the app:
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One-touch "I'm
safe" messaging that allows users to send a message letting
family and friends know that they are out of harm's way.
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Preloaded content
that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even
without mobile connectivity.
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Tool kit with
flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm to let others know
where you are.
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Locations of open
Red Cross shelters.
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Real-time recovery
resources for returning home and cleaning up.
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Badges users can earn through
interactive quizzes and share on social networks.
The new Red Cross Flood App is being released during National
Flood Safety Awareness Week, which runs March 16-22.
"National Flood Safety Awareness Week is the perfect time to
download the app and to start preparing," added Fisher.
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The app is the latest in the series of Red Cross emergency
preparedness apps that put lifesaving information right in the hands
of people whenever and wherever they need it. The expert advice in
Red Cross apps —
which also include apps for first-aid, tornadoes, hurricanes,
wildfires, earthquakes and other services — has been used to help
save lives during disasters and medical emergencies. Red Cross apps
have been downloaded on nearly 4 million mobile devices.
The Flood App, along with the others, is available 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.
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App screenshots:
[Text from file received from the
American Red Cross, Central Illinois
Chapter]
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