Updated April 22, 2019

The American Red Cross is encouraging people of Giles County  to use their smart phones and tablets to prepare when weather is at its worst.

 With the Emergency App people have instant access to weather alerts, life-saving information and ways to contact family and friends in one free, easy-to-use app for mobile devices.

This all-inclusive app provides expert advice on what to do in case of disasters such as floods, tornadoes, home fires, wildfires and more. The free Emergency App is available in app stores for smartphones and tablets by searching for the American Red Cross.

According to Joel Sullivan, chief executive officer for American Red Cross of Tennessee, with expected spring storms throughout Giles County and State of Tennessee over the coming days, it is important for families to stay safe and connected. Our Emergency App does that. It covers 14 different types of disasters and lets users customize more than 35 emergency alerts so that they will know what to do no matter where they live or travel.

Sullivan said while apps can help prepare someone for disasters, it's important to note that they are not substitutes for training.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.