By: Divya Kumar 

Research shows the climate is changing, and the American Red Cross is witnessing first-hand the adverse impacts of more extreme weather events. As scientists explore the connection between warming oceans and extreme weather events, people living in coastal areas brace for summer and fall, hoping for a storm-free season. 

“Over the past decade, the Philadelphia area has had to deal with several hurricanes, including Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012,” says Dave Skutnik, a Red Cross Communications Director and Certified Meteorologist. “Even though we don’t live along the coast, flooding and power outages can be widespread here. That’s why it’s important to be Red Cross Ready: get a kit, make a plan and be informed during hurricane season.” 

In fact, the area feels such strong impacts from these storms, that the City of Philadelphia just posted about it on the city’s website, stating in part:

Whether you’re preparing for yourself in Southeastern PA, or have coastal family members in mind, the one intangible resource you need most is reliable information. 

Reliable information leads to smart preparedness, which prevents or reduces property damage—and, most important of all, saves lives. 

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and peaks between mid-August and late October. But a damaging storm can happen anytime, so now is the time to plan. In these times of coronavirus and quarantine, knowing how to help loved ones in an emergency situation can be complicated. Start by downloading the Red Cross Hurricane App. It’s free! 

The Red Cross organizes its preparedness facts in a set of phone apps that you can download from Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for iPhone). Choose the ones that address the types of emergencies you might encounter in your area. For example, there’s an earthquake app for the West Coast, a tornado app for the Midwest, and a hurricane app for the East. (While you’re at it, get the Pet First Aid app in case Sir Barxalot steps on a nail.) These apps provide up-to-date event info in real time—including alerts and shelter locations—and include lots of tips for before, during, and after the emergency. To find them, go to redcross.org and click on Get Help. There, under How to Prepare for Emergencies, just scroll down to Mobile Apps.  

Someday you may need to navigate a life-altering disaster that threatens your home or family. A small effort now—while the sun shines, before the unforeseen hits—could make a huge difference in your future. Downloading an app is easy, so why not take a moment to add this one? You’ll have a one-stop resource with spot-on advice gathered from the experts, and you’ll never be warned at the last minute again.  

The Red Cross doesn’t predict storms; its focus is on readiness and response, and its stated mission is simply to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Red Cross volunteers have years of disaster experience and will always be there to provide meals, dry shelter, and support before, during, and after the storm.  

Almost everyone who’s been affected by sudden hardship expresses the same sentiment: “I never thought it could happen to me.” We tend to think of disasters as events that befall other people. We always wish, after the fact, that we’d done more to prepare ourselves, our home, and our family. 

It’s human nature to hope for sunny skies. But it’s your responsibility to prepare yourself for storm clouds. Take advantage of the Red Cross’s know-how: Download the app today!