Every time I visit my family in Los Angeles, I think about earthquakes. When they hear my concerns, they say they fear the streets of New York City with the murders, muggings, and, the latest rage, the knockout game. For those of you who don’t know what the knockout game is, let me explain. For the last year or so, gangs of teens have been roaming the streets looking for older people (that’s us) to hit in the head. The goal of the game is to knock someone over. If a person goes down, you win. Lovely isn’t it?

Regardless of the crime challenges in NYC, I still find the potential of an earthquake very overwhelming. That’s why I became very interested in any kind of app for my iPhone that would notify me or act as advisor during an earthquake.

While there are a number of options, I found the earthquake notification app from the Red Cross to be very appealing. You can receive alerts and notifications, learn how to prepare your family and home, and let others know you are safe, even if the power and cell connections are out.

I’m getting this app on my next trip to an earthquake zone. All you have to do is access the Red Cross from a mobile phone. Call REDCROSS or (**73327677) for the link to download the quake alert app to your iPhone or Android device. You can also download directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

I think for peace of mind this app is good because it lets you know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, even if there is no data connectivity. I would also want to know immediately what the shaking impact was in my area and that of my loved ones. With the Red Cross app, you can let family and friends know you are okay via Facebook, Twitter, email, and text.

The app also gives you updates on the nearest Red Cross shelters in your area and provides a Toolkit with a strobe light, flashlight, and audible alert functions.

Life is strange. Some people probably think I am being overdramatic with my earthquake thoughts, while others simply like the idea of being prepared. It is your choice.

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