Red Cross smartphone apps, notifications

The American Red Cross offers several smartphone apps, including ones to help people prepare for emergencies and deal with them after the fact.

There’s a general “Emergency” app, as well as apps called “Tornado,” “Flood,” “Wildfire” and “Hurricane.” Each of them sends important alerts to smartphones.

Other apps offered by the Red Cross include “First Aid,” “Pet First Aid,” “Swim,” “Blood Donor,” "Hero Care" and “Youth.”

Any or all of the Red Cross’ apps can be downloaded at the website redcross.org/apps or by going to the App Store on an iPhone or Google Play on an Android phone. Smartphone users also can get access to them by texting APPS to 90999.

All of the apps are free, and Spanish versions are available.