In Case of Emergency, Download These Apps

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. 

Get severe weather updates, checklists for emergencies, locations of shelters and apply for federal disaster relief aid using FEMA’s free app.

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. 

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.