Survey: More People Use Mobile Apps During Emergencies

Americans are becoming increasingly reliant on mobile devices during emergencies as a lifeline for information, a source for useful tools, and a way to let loved ones know they are safe, according to a new survey conducted by the American Red Cross.

Mobile apps now identify social media as the fourth most popular way to get information in an emergency, following TV, radio and online news. The Red Cross survey found that 20 percent of Americans said they have gotten some kind of emergency information from an app, including emergency apps, those sponsored by news outlets and privately developed apps.

"People are using social media to help others during emergencies by spreading useful information," said Linda Carbone, CEO for Florida's West Coast Region.

"We're seeing mobile technology take a bigger role in helping people find
critical information, take action and let loved ones know they are safe during a disaster."

The survey also identified a subsection of the population deemed "emergency social users," people who are the most dedicated users of social media during emergencies. These users are likely to take safety or preparedness action based on the information they see in their social networks. Three out of four of these users say they've contacted friends and family to see if they were safe, and more than a third say social information has motivated them to gather supplies or seek safe shelter.

Other key findings include:

• Emergency social users are also most likely to seek and share information during emergencies. While they look for the hard facts like road closures, damage reports and weather conditions, they share personal information about their safety statuses and how they are feeling.

• 76 percent of Americans expect help in less than three hours of posting a request on social media. This number is up from 68 percent last year.

• Forty percent of those surveyed said they would use social tools to tell others they are safe. This number is up from 24 percent last year.

The Red Cross continues to encourage people to call 9-1-1 as the best first action when in need of emergency assistance. At the same time, the organization is responding to the interest in mobile assistance by releasing a series of free apps for both iPhone and Android users.

The Red Cross introduced apps for shelter locations, first aid tips and instruction and hurricane preparedness, the last of which also includes a flashlight feature as well as one-touch, "I'm safe" messaging that connects directly to the users' social media channels Red Cross plans to unveil several other preparedness apps throughout the fall. Links to the apps can be found at RedCross.org 

Editor's Note- Thanks to the Red Cross for sending us this information.