Tornado alerts go mobile with new Red Cross app

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- Users of iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones will have tornado alerts at their fingertips through a new app launched by the American Red Cross.

The Journal Review reports the Tornado App is the latest in a series created by the Red Cross to help save lives during hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and other natural disasters.

Montgomery County Red Cross director Denise Maxwell says the app issues a high-pitched siren whenever a tornado is near. It also offers location-based warnings of severe weather and floods and enhanced weather maps.

Users receive an "all-clear" message when the threat has passed and can also use the app to alert family and friends that they are safe.

The free app is available in English and Spanish.

Online: http://www.redcross.org

Information from: (Crawfordsville) Journal Review, http://www.journalreview.com