1) Tornado by American Red Cross (free iOS and Android)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tornado-by-american-red-cross/id602724318?mt=8
-The best app to download and have on your phone if there is any potential for Tornado in your area. The Red Cross also has free apps for Hurricanes, Earthquakes, First Aid, and a standalone app to find shelter.
-App has multiple functions depending on Tornado Status
Active Tornado in you area:
-Registers an alert siren on your phone if there is a warning from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration impacting your area or areas you designated in advance on your phone. NOTE - does not override sleep or vibrate!
-Maps out location-based shelters from the Red Cross
-Lets family and friends know you're OK with "I'm Safe" message.
-If you don't have WiFi, still useful features including step-by-step guide of what to
do if cell tower out in your area, and advice on dealing with food and water if event of power outage or flood. Has strobe light and flashlight
Tools to prepare in advance
-Teaches how to put together an emergency kit. Goes over emergency plan. Provides interactive quiz to make sure you're prepared.
-Look at history of tornadoes in your area
-Goes over difference between "watch and warning"
2) AccuWeather (free iOS and Android)
itunes.apple.com/us/app/accuweather-for-iphone/id300048137?mt=8
-Recently rolled out a new emergency notification feature as part of its general weather app. Based on your location, or other locations you enter into it. This is for all severe weather alerts.
-If you have Accuweather, make sure to update the app as the new update arrived in March. You can set settings upon download or update, or in the Settings section of your phone.
-New update also includes "lifestyle" section that has reports specifics to hobbies, sports, and medical conditions like Asthma.
3) ABC7 Chicago App
itunes.apple.com/us/app/abc7chicago-news/id402259941?mt=8
- Improved weather features: If you touch the weather icon -- at the top of the app -- you'll see the current conditions in your location. And there's an hourly forecast to take you through your day and a seven-day outlook.
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And if you want even more weather, it's right here at your fingertips, taking you to our full weather website, complete with interactive radar that shows you weather right in your neighborhood.
4) WeatherMob (free iOS)
itunes.apple.com/us/app/weathermob-social-weather/id463729367?mt=8
-Socially-based weather reports. Like Waze for traffic, get real-time weather updates from others in the next town or across the world.
5) Guardly (free iOS and Android)
itunes.apple.com/us/app/guardly/id400742014?mt=8
-Sends messages to 911 and up to 15 contacts during an emergency
For more info visit appolicious.com
