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Red Cross Releases Tornado App for Smartphones

By David Meyer

03/05/2013

(KAIR) -- As National Severe Weather Awareness Week begins, the American Red Cross is releasing its official Tornado App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in, visit or have loved ones in tornado-prone areas.

This free app—available in English or Spanish—gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone and tablet users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a tornado.

The app includes a high-pitched siren and “tornado warning!” alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued in their area – even if users have the app closed.

An “all clear!” alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled.

Other features of the app include: Location-based NOAA tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood watch and warning alerts; Enhanced weather maps and information provided by Weather Underground; 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; Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity; Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm and Locations of open Red Cross shelters.

The Tornado App, along with the others, can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.

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