The American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming has joined with The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the READYColorado program and the National Weather Service's Colorado forecast offices to share information that will make those living and visiting Colorado more prepared. 

Surviving a wildfire, a flood, or a flash flood requires planning, preparation and quick response. The Red Cross urges everyone to download the FREE mobile app, EMERGENCY. This one app serves as an all hazard information system that can help you before, during and after an emergency. 

Emergency information is in your hand with this mobile app that is designed for Apple and Android formats. It works on your smartphone and your tablet to bring you the best preparedness information possible. 

• Learn how to prepare your home and your family with text and videos showing you how to create an evacuation plan and a 72-hour emergency kit. 
• Learn the best and safest places to go to protect yourself and family.
• Get the latest watches and warnings direct from the National Weather Service, commercial free so that you can stay informed and ahead of the storm. 
• Communicate with family members using the I’m Safe feature, find the nearest Red Cross emergency shelter, or find resources that will help with recovery after the disaster has ended. 

“This one app can make the difference in a family's survival,” said Mike Masto, Regional Disaster Officer for Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. “Regardless of the event, this one app does it all.”

Colorado has more than its fair share of floods, flash floods and wildfires.  You should be Weather Ready and know how to stay safe when floods and wildfires affect your area.

Governor Hickenlooper has proclaimed this week, March 16 – 22, as Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week.  Now is the time to learn about flood and wildfire risks in Colorado and to develop your plans to improve your outcome.

Floods and flash floods have killed over 400 people in Colorado since the turn of the 20th Century.  The historic weather pattern of September 2013 reminds us all that floods are a major concern across the Centennial state.  Floods have caused billions of dollars of damage in Colorado.

On average 2500 wildfires occur across Colorado each year.  Since 2013 eight people have been killed when wildfires occurred in the wildland urban interface (WUI).

During this week we will be using a variety of social media and traditional media to get the work out to Coloradans in an effort to help you be better prepared.

More information on floods and wildfires is available at your local National Weather Service websites:

www.weather.gov/Denver

www.weather.gov/Pueblo

www.weather.gov/Goodland

www.weather.gov/GrandJunction