Tuesday, September 25, 2012

New Earthquake App

Are you ready for some BIG news?!... The official American Red Cross Earthquake app was launched today! This new and informative app is FREE for iPhone and Android platforms. Not to mention as a way to provide easy accessible information to as many people as possible, the app is currently available in both English and Spanish.
The earthquake app is the third in a series of apps launched this year by the American Red Cross. First in the series was the First Aid app, providing information regarding asthma attacks, bleeding, broken bones, burns, choking and the list goes on. The Hurricane app was launched second, providing information and locations of Red Cross shelters. During Hurricane Isaac app users were able to send “I’m safe” messages to loved ones. The just released Earthquake app will provide information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake. As a part of the app, new “Shake Zone Impact Maps” will provide app users with specific local information regarding the status of their community.
Features of the app include:
§  Earthquake epicenter location, impact magnitude and local geographical impact data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey;
§  Personalized push notifications, monitoring both magnitude and geography;
§  A “Shake Zone Impact Map” that provides real-time, simplified impact assessment when available;
§  Comprehensive reporting of all seismic activity for every geographic area in the United States;
§  Options to view the app in English or Spanish based on user handset settings;
§  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;
§  Locations of open Red Cross shelters;
§  Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;
§  Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
§  Information on events that may happen after earthquakes such as fires and tsunamis;
§  Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and
§  Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

We are putting lifesaving information right into the palm of your hands. I encourage everyone to download this FREE amazing lifesaving app today!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

National Preparedness Month Kick Off

Without much settling in time, I was tasked with helping organize rallies, presentations, and world record breaking events! It's been a whirlwind 2 weeks into September - National Preparedness Month. The first weekend started with an incredible world record breaking event at the Fresno State Bulldog Football team's first home game. At half time we trained the entire stadium of some 20,000+ people in hands-only CPR. While it was amazing to witness so many people yelling "Are you okay?" to their imaginary victims, my favorite part was going through and shaking the inflatable tunnel to the field at half-time and pretending I was a football player prepping for a big game.

Almost a full stadium at Fresno State's opening game!
We broke the world record!

Back in the office the following week, we jumped into final preparations for the Prep Rally we were hosting that coming Saturday. The event was a huge success and due to our meticulous planning and organizational skills (applause) everything went smoothly and without too much undue stress. We had a big turnout and all the participants said they really enjoyed the event.

People getting involved at the Prep Rally.
Thanks to these amazing student nurses we taught
115 people hands-only CPR at our Prep Rally!


Later that night it was time to relax at the Taste of River Park event benefiting the American Red Cross. The place was packed. I got to taste delicious food and wine while watching ribbon dancers, a PG&E check presentation to the Red Cross, a fashion show and a jazz dance group. Needless to say by the end of the night I was exhausted, but it was completely worth the effort!

My calendar is filling up and I just wonder how I'm going to fit everything I want to do and learn into the short 9 1/2 months I have left.