Canadian Red Cross launches app to help prepare for emergencies

A new app has been designed to help Canadians prepare for emergencies and disasters.

The app, called Be Ready, was launched by the Canadian Red Cross across the country on Monday, with the Saskatchewan rollout happening in Regina.

Be Ready alerts users about weather conditions that could prompt emergency situations such as floods, forest fires and tornadoes. It uses data feeds collected by the Weather Network.

The app also helps educate how to prepare themselves and their homes "before, during and after disasters and emergencies."

According to the Red Cross, the app is important for emergency preparedness because only 47 per cent of Canadians have any type of emergency supply kit in their homes. However, three quarters of Canadians feel confident they would know what to do in an emergency situation.

"The Canadian Red Cross recommends keeping enough supplies on hand to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours in the event of a disaster, or up to two weeks in a health emergency," Cindy Fuchs, Canadian Red Cross vice-president of Saskatchewan, said in a news release. "We can't control when or where a disaster will happen, but being prepared can help mitigate the impact disasters have on people, families and communities."

The launch of the app coincides with Emergency Preparedness Week a national event that runs from May 1-7.

This is important since nearly three quarters of Canadians feel confident that they would know what to do if confronted with an emergency situation, yet only 47 per centactually have any type of emergency supply kit in their homes.

The app can be downloaded for free on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices and is available in English and French.

People not able or interested in downloading the app can find more information on preparing for emergencies here.