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New Flood App Brings American Red Cross Safety Information to Mobile Devices
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With your help, the promise of neighbor helping neighbor in times of trouble becomes a reality and our communities become safer places to live. Show your aloha and become a volunteer for the American Red Cross in Hawaii.

New Flood App Brings American Red Cross

Safety Information to Mobile Devices

App's audio flood and flash flood alerts can help save lives

The American Red Cross announced its new Flood App to help save lives and reduce losses from floods and flash floods.

This free app gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a flood. The app includes location-based, audible NOAA flood and flash flood watches and warnings -- even if the app is closed.

"Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, and people can use the Red Cross app to create emergency plans so all household members know what to do if flooding threatens," said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO, Hawaii Red Cross. "The audible alerts in the app can save lives - even when users are away from a radio or TV."

Other features of the app include:

One-touch "I'm safe" messaging that allows users to send a message letting family and friends know 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 to let others know where you are;
Locations of open Red Cross shelters;
Real-time recovery resources for returning home and cleaning up; and
Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

The new Red Cross Flood App is being released during National Flood Safety Awareness Week, which runs from March 16-22.

"Hawaii's flood season is happening right now, so it really is the perfect time to download the app and start preparing," added Matayoshi.

The app is the latest in the series of Red Cross emergency preparedness apps that put lifesaving information right in the hands of people whenever and wherever they need it. The expert advice in Red Cross apps, which also includes apps for First Aid, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes and other services, has been used to help save lives during disasters and medical emergencies. Red Cross apps have been downloaded on nearly 4 million mobile devices.

The Flood 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. Apps can help prepare people for disasters, but they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. People can visit redcross.org/takeaclass for course information and to register.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and helps people get ready to respond to emergencies by providing these preparedness apps for free. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

ABOUT HAWAII RED CROSS

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Disaster Preparedness

In Hawaii due to our isolation, we encourage all families to be prepared for 7 days instead of 72 hours. It will take time following a disaster for a logistics bridge to be built to Hawaii if our harbors and airports are affected by a major disaster and we may be relying on our own resources longer than other places within the United States.

First Aid Station Teams (FAST)

One of the wonderful services your American Red Cross Hawaii provides to its community is manning first aid stations at community events. American Red Cross First Aid Station (FAS) Team stations are staffed with competent volunteers who have been trained to respond.

Red Cross Clubs

Participate in a Red Cross Club at the Hawaii State Chapter. Help your community by volunteering, fundraising and supporting the mission of the American Red Cross in Hawaii.

Services to the Armed Forces

The American Red Cross provides a vital communication lifeline between military service members and their families by relaying urgent information in times of emergency.

TAKE A CLASS

The American Red Cross provides lifesaving training to thousands of Hawaii residents each year in numerous topic areas including First Aid/CPR/AED and Babysitting.

Aquatics

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Count on the American Red Cross for the best training on how to be safe in, on and around the water! Explore the exciting new collection of courses designed to make learning easier and to help you benefit from the latest research on instructional techniques.

Disaster Training

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We conduct free non-certificate personal preparedness courses for neighborhood and community residents; agency staff and clients; school teachers, staff, parents, and administrators; and local business personnel.

Nurse Assistant Training

The American Red Cross Hawaii is committed to adhering to the highest standards of instruction through our Nurse Assistant Training Program.

Volunteer

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It's what we do. The American Red Cross works within our local communities, providing relief to people who have suffered a disaster. Show your aloha and become a volunteer for the American Red Cross in Hawaii. We invite you to explore the many volunteer opportunities available. Click here to learn more.

HOURS - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

ABOUT US
The American Red Cross in Hawaii prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

The Hawaii State Chapter provides the following programs and services in the State of Hawaii.

Disaster Relief
Safety Training
Military (Service to the Armed Forces)
International Services
Red Cross First Aid Stations
Community Events and Presentations (speaker requests)

MISSION
The American Red Cross in Hawaii prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

The Hawaii State Chapter responds continually to large and small disasters throughout the State of Hawaii. The Red Cross is the only volunteer organization charged, by federal Congressional Charter, with responding during disasters to provide for the immediate emergency needs of families and individuals. In addition, the Chapter prepares individuals and businesses to be more prepared for emergencies and to initiate appropriate action to ensure the health and safety of those around them and themselves.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We depend on the aloha spirit of giving from our community to help others in need.

Read more about our vision, values and more...

STATEWIDE PRESENCE
The Hawaii State Chapter consists of the Chapter headquarters, offices on Maui, Kauai and Hawaii and four military service centers (Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe Marine Corp Base and Tripler Army Medical Center).

HISTORY
Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross is one of the oldest human service organizations in the United States. In 1905, the U.S. Congress chartered the Red Cross to help relieve the suffering caused by disasters. Over the years, we have become part of the very fiber of the community and Americans have grown to expect and rely on our swift, professional assistance through a national volunteer corps of more than 1.44 million people. The American Red Cross is one of more than 145 member nations that comprise the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Currently, 967 chapters make up the American Red Cross.

Although 1917 is the official date that the first American Red Cross chapter was chartered in Hawaii, Red Cross work began as early as 1898, when some 300 women, including Princess Kaiulani, organized a Red Cross society to aid the sick and wounded soldiers stopping here on transports from the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.

Today, the Hawaii State Chapter is a leader in health and safety training. Red Cross disaster volunteers respond regularly to house and apartment fires, and are prepared for larger disasters like hurricanes, tsunamis, and floods.

Through its extensive use of trained volunteers, the American Red Cross has earned a reputation for being of one of the nation's most efficiently managed non-profit organizations, a distinction that has been recognized by publications such as Forbes, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Times and Money Magazine. The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross has over 4,000 volunteers - a volunteer-to-staff ratio of more than 10 to 1.

The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross is known for excellent stewardship of funds. We have always prided ourselves on providing services that do not duplicate the services of other non-profits organizations and proactively seeking ways to collaborate with other providers.

Sep 14, 1917: Queen Liliuokalani's secretary, Colonel Iaukea, presents a hand-sewn Red Cross flag to members of the local Chapter on the steps of Iolani Palace. This ceremony took place a few months after the Hawaii Chapter was officially chartered. At the Queen's suggestion, the flag flew over the palace and later hung in the Throne Room during World War I. Mrs. Henry Dawson accepts flag. Territorial Governor Lucius Pinkham is behind Iaukea.

View more historical photos

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Vision

...all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;

...our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;

...everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;

...all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and

...in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that

Values

Compassionate: We are dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve and to treating each other with care and respect.

Collaborative: We work together as One Red Cross family, in partnership with other organizations, and always embrace diversity and inclusiveness.

Creative: We seek new ideas, are open to change and always look for better ways to serve those in need.

Credible: We act with integrity, are transparent guardians of the public trust and honor our promises.

Committed: We hold ourselves accountable for defining and meeting clear objectives, delivering on our mission and carefully stewarding our donor funds.

Local Training and Preparedness

Lifesaving training to almost 20,000 people per year (CPR, first aid, aquatics, babysitting, pet first aid, and nurse aide training)

Free Annual Summer Swim program for over 45 years at Ala Moana Beach for hundreds of keiki and adults, and a volunteer teen Summer Buddies leadership program.

Workplace Safety teaches workers how to prevent injuries and respond to life threatening emergencies

Caregiving teaches families to care for loved ones at home, or in a career to care for sick, elderly and disabled in a care setting.

Disaster preparedness information was shared with over 27,000 people on how to prepare for emergencies

Pre-deployment briefings provided to 17,000 servicemen and families

Relevance of Red Cross in Hawaii

With the threat of flu pandemic, terrorist attacks, and major natural and man-made disasters, the American Red Cross is more relevant and necessary than ever before. It is not "if," but "when" a major disaster in Hawaii will occur, and with your help, we'll be ready.

The Red Cross is not a government agency. All disaster training and services are free, made possible by generous donations from local individuals and businesses and our dedicated volunteers.

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

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Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

New Flood App Brings American Red Cross Safety Information to Mobile Devices

Vision

Values

Local Training and Preparedness

Relevance of Red Cross in Hawaii

Kaimuki, Hawaii
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