In a world where “there’s an app for that,” it should come as no surprise that there are a multitude of apps that will allow you to turn your smart phone into a lifesaving device. Since disasters can occur at anytime, you never know where you will be when one occurs or if you will be with your loved ones. Be prepared and plan ahead. When the power is out, your cell phone will most likely be the only link you will have to your family and resources. Here are several FREE Apps that you can download to your phone today that can help you significantly in the event of a disaster. Red Cross Family of Apps The American Red Cross has been helping people in need since 1881. Now they have expanded their services to include a family of mobile apps to help warn people of impending disasters, give first aid, or learn where they can donate blood closest to them. Their emergency apps allow users to set up alerts that will sound a warning alarm when natural disasters are about to or are occurring with a certain radius of their location. These alerts can often mean the difference between getting to safety before a disaster hits or getting stuck in storm: EmergencyThis all-inclusive app lets you monitor more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts, to help keep you and your loved ones safe. This app is also available en Español. Available through the Apple App Store, Google Play, or text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999. First Aid Get instant access to information on handling the common first aid emergencies. This app is also available en Español. Available through the Apple App Store, Google Play, or text “GETFIRST” to 90999. Pet First Aid Be prepared to help your furry friends with veterinary advice for everyday emergencies. This app is also available en Español. Available through the Apple App Store, Google Play, or text “GETPET” to 90999. The Red Cross has many other apps available, to see all of their mobile apps, please visit www.redcross.org.
FEMA Download FEMAs mobile app and learn what to do before, during, and after emergencies with safety tips & receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the U.S. You can also get directions to open shelters and find out where you can talk to FEMA in person. The FEMA App can be downloaded via the Apple App store or through Google Play and is also available en Español. ICE Standard ER 911 This app is like a digital emergency card, as ICE stands for “In Case of Emergency.” Emergency responders can check your phone for important information in case they find you unconscious or if you can’t communicate verbally during a crisis. ICE puts your health information on the lock screen of your phone so that first responders can access all your info quickly and easily. It also has a Smart 911 feature that sends your digital emergency card to operators when you call 911. This app is available for download through both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Google Trusted Contacts This app allows you to automatically share your phone’s status to your loved ones as long as your phone is on and moving. Contacts can check the app and make sure you’re okay instantly. And it can even share your location if your phone is out of battery when linked friends ping your account using the service. This app is available for download through both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Family Locator Map This GPS phone tracker app lets you see the real-time location of your family and friends, share free messages with your family including SOS messages, set up alerts to message you when your children arrive at a destination, Mark safe zones on the map such as school or home, easy real-time tracking of your lost or stolen phone, and you even receive alerts when your child goes somewhere unsafe. This app is available for download through both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Zello During natural disasters and other emergencies cell phone networks can become overloaded and cease to function. Zello allows you to turn your phone or tablet into a walkie-talkie with lightning fast and free Push to Talk radio. This app is available for download through both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Pawboost During a disaster is the worst time to lose a pet. Pawboost helps you to create a network of others who will be on the lookout for your pet. The app alerts local members of their Rescue Squad by email and post to a Pawboost Facebook page specific to your area. You can also create a Missing Flyer that you can print to post in your area. This app is available for download through both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The inclusion of information on third party applications, services, or links is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the United States Army Reserve or the Department of Defense.