The American Red Cross has launched the Team Red Cross app, which allows people to sign up to help, get an overview on basic tasks and receive notifications about Red Cross disaster volunteer opportunities in their community.

“When people see an emergency happening in their community, they often want to help but may not know how,” said Linda Soltis-Schroeder, Regional Volunteer Coordinator. “The Team Red Cross app provides an easy and quick way for people to sign up to help the Red Cross and support their community.”

Once users download the app, they create an account. Then they learn about different jobs, such as working in a warehouse, handing out supplies or assisting with feeding. When the Red Cross has a need for volunteers, the Team Red Cross app will notify users based on their location. Potential volunteers can instantly accept or decline the volunteer opportunity.

The Red Cross is encouraging the public to download the app before disaster strikes so local volunteers can help immediately.

The app is free and designed for iPhone and Android smart phones and tablets.

Additional features include a quick orientation right on the mobile device; the ability to share notifications within volunteers’ social network; the chance to earn digital “badges” by completing a job test, accepting a job, sharing the app, recruiting volunteers, etc.; and the ability to donate money to the Red Cross and to sign up for blood donations. The app also offers emergency response information that people can share with their friends at the touch of a button.

Nearly one-fifth of Americans say they’ve received some kind of emergency information from an app they’ve downloaded, making the Red Cross apps an important way for the public to get ready for disasters.

The Team Red Cross app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross or by going to www.redcross.org/mobileapps.