New Earthquake App Brings American Red Cross Safety Information to Mobile Devices

Features include real-time alerts and "Shake Zone Impact Map," simplifying quake data for smart phone, tablet users

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross today released its official Earthquake App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit earthquake prone areas.

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This free app—available in English or Spanish—is the third in a series created by the American Red Cross, the nation's leader in emergency preparedness, for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. The Earthquake App comes on the heels of the highly successful First Aid and Hurricane apps, which have more than 1 million users.

"This app gives users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after earthquakes," said Dr. Steven J. Jensen, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Committee, and a professor in emergency management at California State University at Long Beach. "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; and
• Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

"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," said Jack McMaster, president of Preparedness and Health and Safety Services for the Red Cross. "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.

National Red Cross experts in health, safety and preparedness have thoroughly reviewed and field tested the information and advice provided in Red Cross apps. A recent Red Cross survey found that apps have tied social media as the fourth most popular way for people to get information during emergencies, making the Red Cross app development effort even more important.

The Earthquake App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. Apps can help prepare people for disasters, but they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. People can visit redcross.org/takeaclass for course information and to register.

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. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redcross.org.

SOURCE American Red Cross