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SALT LAKE CITY — From wildfires to floods to evacuations, it seems this year has been one disaster after another in Utah. Things have been so busy, Utah Red Cross spokesman Teresa Zundel has almost lost count.
"We've helped more than 2,000 Utahns in that time," Zundel said. "Just since March, we've had more than 12 full-service Red Cross shelters open across the state."
So, when the Red Cross released a new smartphone app Tuesday, Zundel couldn't wait to talk about it.
It's called Earthquake, but it can be used for any disaster. Features include checklists to prepare before something happens, pre-typed messages you can send to contacts after something happens, even self-help videos to treat bleeding, broken bones and other injuries.
"It's already there, so whether or not you have cellphone connectivity, you've still got that important information right in the palm of your hand," Zundel said.
The app also lists locations where Red Cross shelters are set up, evacuation routes and earthquake activity.
Most of all, though, it's designed to help you prepare for a disaster — something thousands of Utahns know all about this year.
The Earthquake app is free, and you can download it to iPhones, Androids and other smartphones that use applications.
