DisastersKeeping safe during earthquakes? There’s an app for that
The American Red Cross released its official earthquake application for iPhone and Android smartphones; the app is free, available in English or Spanish; the app includes earthquake epicenter locations, impact magnitudes, and local geographical impact data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey; it also includes a “shake zone” impact map and a one touch “I’m safe” messaging
The American Red Cross released its official earthquake application for iPhone and Android smartphones.
The app is free, available in English or Spanish, and is the third in a series created by the Red Cross. The first two apps were for first aid and hurricanes; both apps were a resounding success as more than one million people have downloaded them.
“This app gives users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after earthquakes,” Dr. Steven Jensen, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Committee and a professor in emergency management at California State University at Long Beach, told the Imperial Valley News. “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.”
The app will include earthquake epicenter locations, impact magnitudes, and local geographical impact data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. A “shake zone” impact map will provide real-time simplified impact assessment when available, and a one touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends through social media outlets that they are out of danger.
The app also gives the locations of Red Cross shelters and checklists families can use to create a family emergency plan.
“The new customizations and introduction of the ‘Shake Zone Impact Map’ can help individuals and families gain a better understanding of the effects of earthquakes both near their homes or where friends and family reside,” Jack McMaster, president of Preparedness and Health and Safety Services for the Red Cross, told the Valley News. “With more than 1 million downloads and high praise from the digital community, the Red Cross has established itself as a leader in mobile apps that put critical information in people’s hands when they need it most,” McMaster added.
A recent survey by the Red Cross found that cell phone apps have tied social media as the fourth most popular way for people to get information during an emergency.
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 apps are a great way to send and receive information, but the Red Cross insists that specific training will make people more prepared and able to respond to emergencies faster.
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and we help people get ready to respond to emergencies by providing these apps for free.
