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SALT LAKE CITY — Have questions about wildfire safety? Look no further than the American Red Cross Wildfire app.
“It’s really designed for three things: before, during and after a wildfire,” said Rich Woodruff, director of communications for the Utah region of the American Red Cross.
This app is like having your own guide walking you through step-by-step if you're anywhere near a wildfire. It includes detailed information on what to do to prepare for a wildfire, how to stay safe if there’s a fire nearby, and what steps to take should you lose property to a fire.
The app will also keep you up to date on the wildfires are in your area.
“You’ll get actual alerts to notify you if there’s a wildfire nearby,” Woodruff said.
There aren't any wildfire alerts in Utah right now. But if you have family in Sedona, Arizona, where a 4,800-acre wildfire continues to burn, the app will come in handy. That's because it allows you to look up shelters anywhere in the country; and if family members have the app, they can tap and “I’m Safe” button to let you know they’re OK.
“It’s instantly accessible, Woodruff said. “The alert is right there if something breaks and you need to know what’s going on.”
The Wildfire app can be downloaded for free on any iPhone or Droid. Visit www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/wildfire-app for more information.
Contributing: Jordan Ormond