Hazard App Key Messages
Why do we need the Hazard App?
In New Zealand we know disasters can strike at anytime, anywhere and affect anyone. The Hazard App is a free, comprehensive and convenient way to be ready for emergencies. Being prepared for hazards reduces our vulnerability to them – and helps save lives.
What does the Hazard Appoffer users?
The Hazard App is a free life-saving smartphone app that helps us identify, prepare and respond to hazards in New Zealand. It is preloaded with New Zealand specific information to help you identify and respond to hazards.
The Hazard App will guide you through assembling emergency survival items, making a getaway kit and creating a household emergency plan. Step-by-step information will also help you during and after an emergency. It also includes a disaster toolkit such as a torch, strobe light and an audible alarm.
The preloaded content means you have instant access to all information, even without cell phone reception or an internet connection – anytime, anywhere.
The Hazard App receives official emergency warnings and alerts from [ALERTING GROUP] as well as GeoNet and MetServiceaccording to your location or the locations of your friends and family. You have complete control of the locations you monitor, the type of hazard and severity level of the warnings and alerts you receive.
What does the Hazard App offer alerting ministries and Civil Defence?
The Hazard App has robust functionality and is designed for operating in large scale emergencies when communication networks are under pressure.
The Hazard App has key alerting and communication features that are provided free to agencies and partners. It gives alerting agencies the ability to send geo-targeted push notifications to users.
Who developed the Hazard App?
The Hazard App was developed for New Zealand Red Cross as part of a global project by the Red Cross’ Global Disaster Preparedness Centre in United States. New Zealand agencies such as the Ministry of Civil Defence, MetService, GNS, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Primary Industries have contributed to app content with Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups also participating in the Hazard App working group.
Development of the New Zealand Red Cross Hazard App is part of a global app initiative that supports the Red Cross mission of caring for communities and building resilience to natural disasters.Other Red Cross national societies around the world have developed their own versions of the app, which have had more than two million downloads.New Zealand Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement – the largest humanitarian network in the world and a leader in global emergency response and disaster management.
How can I download the Hazard App?
The Hazard App is currently available for download from your Apple or Android smart phone or tablet.