New Flood App Brings Safety Information to Mobile Devices

The American Red Cross has a new Flood App to help save lives and reduce losses from floods and flash floods.

The free app gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone 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 his or her mobile device. And it includes location-based, audible NOAA flood and flash flood watches and warnings, even if the app is closed.

"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," says Northwest Louisiana Chapter Director Reid Brau in a news release. "The audible alerts in the app can save lives - even when users are away from a radio or TV."

Other features of the app are:

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
Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity
Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm to let others know where you are
Locations of open Red Cross shelters
Real-time recovery resources for returning home and cleaning up
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 from March 16-22.

The app is the latest in the series of Red Cross emergency preparedness apps that put life-saving information in the hands of people whenever and wherever they need it. The expert advice in these apps has been used to help save lives during disasters and medical emergencies. Red Cross apps have been downloaded on nearly 4-million mobile devices.

These apps can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or going to the ARC website.