Kids can now learn about emergency preparedness—without even knowing they’re doing so. A new free app from the American Red Cross, designed for kids seven to 11, has them playing as monster characters while learning about things like preventing home fires and what to do if severe weather or a natural disaster occurs.
According to a Red Cross news release, the young app user is a recruit at the Monster Guard Academy “who trains to prepare for disasters and practice what to do if one happens. Users can role-play as various monster characters, go through the initiation and engage in interactive training episodes for hazards such as tornados, floods and hurricanes.” If a player completes all the episodes, they’ll graduate and become a member of the Monster Guard.
To access the app, visit click here or text ‘MONSTER’ to 90999 for a direct link to download the app.
Other Red Cross apps give people access to advice on what to do before, during and after emergencies and disasters. According to the Red Cross, “people have used these award-winning apps to save lives and help protect their pets and property. Localized weather alerts and warnings from the apps have allowed people to get themselves and their loved ones to a safe place before severe storms came through their area.”
For more information on Red Cross apps, click here.
