Be Prepared for National Flood Safety Awareness Week with the Flood App

By Kassidy Ketron

Intern

Unless you can swim like a fish or have the perfect boat for all occasions, chances are you might need to know more about what to do in the case of a flood.

In honor of National Flood Safety Awareness Week, what better time for the American Red Cross to release its newest Flood App to help save lives and reduce losses from floods and flash floods.

This app, available for iPhone, iPad and Android users, provides local and real-time information so you know what to do before during and after a flood.

Here are just a few of the awesome features this app includes:

• Audible NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] flood and flash flood watches and warnings so people can gather loved ones and head to safety
• The alerts can save lives if users are asleep, away from radio, TV or in places where weather band radios may not work - users can even monitor alerts in other areas where loved ones live
• An “I’m safe” button allows users to send a message letting family and friends know they are out of harm’s way
• The app also has toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and alarm to let others know where you are and locations of open Red Cross shelters in case people need to evacuate
• Recovery resources are included for when you are able to return home and start cleaning up

 According to the National Flood Insurance Program, floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Anything from heavy rain and melting snow or ice can saturate the ground and cause floods or flash floods.

Contrary to popular belief, the American Red Cross does not have boats and cannot always get to victims during a flood.

For example, our SUVs, pickups and large vehicles are not save to drive the flood waters. Two feet of water can float most vehicles and, if the water is moving quickly, vehicles can be swept away.

Anytime you come to a flooded road, turn around and go the other way. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

While you may think you can walk through the floodwaters, just six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet. If the water is above your ankles, just turn around and go another way.

This app has resources developed by experts on how to prepare for flooding:

• The content is available in English and Spanish based on the user language settings on their mobile device.
• The app contains simple instructions and steps on what supplies to have, and how to develop an emergency plan if you have to stay put or if you must evacuate.
• It also features interactive quizzes with badges that you can earn and share on social networks.
• Preloaded content on the app gives users instant access to all information even without mobile connectivity.

The newest Flood App is just one in a series of emergency preparedness apps the American Red Cross is developing to put lifesaving information in the hands of people whenever and wherever they may need it. These apps can be in the Apple App Store and the Google Play store or by visiting the American Red Cross website.

It is always important to be prepared. If you would like to learn more about how you can help with American Red Cross and your community during a time of disaster please visit redcross.org/takeaclass.