East Texas News – Red Cross app offers tips for various situations

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082522 red cross offers help

With the potential for flooding across the state of Texas, the American Red Cross wants to make sure people know where they can get safety information and where Red Cross emergency shelters are located. The Red Cross Emergency App gives the user instant access to safety and preparedness resources and alerts for 13 different types of emergencies in one mobile app – free and very easy to use.

The Red Cross app provides comprehensive information on what to do in case of hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, residential and wildfires, among other emergencies. Using the keyword ‘American Red Cross,’ users can download the emergency app for free at RedCross.org/Apps or at the Apple App and Google Play stores.

“This app provides families with tips to stay safe and connected in an emergency,” said Brittney Rochell, Regional Director of Communications for the Texas Gulf Coast Red Cross. “Because the app covers a variety of situations, the user will know what to do in an emergency or disaster, no matter where they are or what type of emergency.”

In the toolkit, in the Prepare section, there is a function called “I’m safe”. The “I’m Safe” feature allows the user to connect with their loved ones and instantly see if they are okay, even if that family member has not downloaded the emergency app on their device. If the relative or friend does not have the Red Cross emergency application, she will receive a text message asking if he is safe or not.

Here are some of the many features the app includes:

• Depending on the user’s preferences, the application offers more than 35 alerts based on geographic location (GPS) and pre-programmed locations, usually where family and friends live.

• The user can activate or deactivate alerts according to their needs.

• By means of a map, in the application, the user can locate the Red Cross shelters and obtain weather reports specific to their area.
Users can easily change app preferences and receive information in English or Spanish!

• The Red Cross emergency app is also a source of information for incidents that affect large areas, such as landslides or snow storms.

• Its content puts the expert guidance of the Red Cross at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere, even without mobile connectivity.
With the touch of a button the user has access to the “make a plan” function, which allows them to create, share and practice their disaster plan.

• Apps can help you prepare for disasters, it’s important to remember that downloading our apps is not a substitute for training. For information on how to register and take a First Aid, CPR, and AED class, visit RedCross.org and click “Take a Class.”

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