In Case of Emergency, Download These Apps
Your mobile device makes your daily life easier, but it can also become a lifesaving companion during an emergency. Download these safety apps now, while you’re calm, so you have them at your fingertips in case a crisis arises.

By:
Carley Knobloch
Red Cross
The American Red Cross responds to 70,000 emergencies in the U.S. each year, so it knows what to do when catastrophe strikes. The nonprofit has a suite of free mobile apps that teach safety skills and first aid, as well as how to deal with disasters like a wildfire or tornado.
FEMA
Get severe weather updates, checklists for emergencies, locations of shelters and apply for federal disaster relief aid using FEMA’s free app.
Red Cross Hurricane
If you or a loved one lives in a hurricane-prone part of the country, download the hurricane app from the American Red Cross. It tracks hurricane watches and warnings, lists Red Cross shelters and lets you create an “I’m Safe” alert for Facebook, Twitter, email and text.
Red Cross Earthquake
When the shaking starts, you’ll be glad to have the American Red Cross’s earthquake app. It uses USGS data so you can see the intensity of the quake, and gives instructions on what to do before, during and after a quake. A Toolkit function includes a strobe light, flashlight and audible alert functions.
Life360
Your family is your treasure, so keep track of them on a private map. See where everyone is — and avoid text message fees — with the free Life360 app. If anyone runs into trouble, they can send an instant alert that goes to your voicemail, email and smartphone.
ICE Standard With Smart911
Put lifesaving medical information up front where first responders can see it: On your smartphone’s lock screen with the ICE Standard with Smart911 app. If you call within a Smart911-enabled area, your essential medical contacts and details of any medical conditions, such as diabetes, can be provided to the 911 operators and police.
The Weather Channel
Find out what Mother Nature has in store via The Weather Channel app. Now you’ll be ready for high snowdrifts, high surf and everything in between. The apps are free for basic; fees apply for Weather Channel Max.
Red Cross First Aid
If your CPR skills are rusty, brush up with American Red Cross First Aid. It has videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice, preparing you to do CPR or handle other first aid issues as they happen. Fully integrated with 9-1-1, too, so you can call an EMS at any time.