It's National Severe Weather Week, which means now is a perfect time to sit down with your family and discuss your severe weather plan. Staying informed in any weather situation is an integral part of a successful safety plan, and now the American Red Cross is offering a free application for mobile devices that provides real-time information both before and after the storm.

Here's more from the Red Cross' Official Press Release: "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.

“The alerts in the Tornado App can save lives,” said Jim Judge, preparedness expert, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Committee and chair of its Preparedness Sub-Council. “Now, when a tornado warning is issued in the middle of the night, the siren alert can wake people up so they can head to a safe area. Users can even receive alerts when they are away from their loved ones or don’t have access to radio or TV.”

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, a digital brand of The Weather Company;
  • 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;
  • Simple steps and checklists people can use to create an emergency plan and share it with household members;
  • Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
  • Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm;
  • Locations of open Red Cross shelters; and
  • Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

You can download a FREE copy of the American Red Cross' Tornado App today by calling "**REDCROSS" (**73327677);  a link to download the app will be sent to your phone. You can download the apps directly from the iTunes orGoogle Play app stores.

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