First Aid, Emergency Preparedness & Weather Warning Apps for iOS and Android
Emergencies don’t wait for you to be ready.
Whether it’s wildfire smoke rolling in from the Gorge, a quake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, or another surge of federal agents deployed into Portland under the guise of “public safety,” many Oregon residents are learning that real-time, local information is a lifeline.
The difference between being overwhelmed and staying functional in an emergency comes down to how quickly you know what’s happening and where.
Having the right apps and alert systems on your phone matters. These tools are free and easy to install, and they belong on your phone before you need them—not after.
Local Oregon and Multnomah County Emergency Alerts and Apps
For anyone in Oregon, especially in Multnomah County and the Portland metro area, staying connected to local alert systems is essential.
OR-Alert
OR‑Alert is Oregon’s statewide emergency notification hub where you can search by county, city, or ZIP code and sign up to receive text, phone, and email alerts from local emergency managers during disasters, evacuations, and critical incidents.
Once you’ve selected your area on OR‑Alert, you’ll be routed to your jurisdiction’s specific sign‑up page or alert tool.
PublicAlerts
Each county in Oregon has its own emergency alert system. You can find your county alert system and sign up here.
Signing up for these notifications allows emergency response agencies to notify you via text, voice call, or email when an emergency in your area may require you to take action (such as shelter-in-place or evacuation).
You can register up to five addresses in the county for which you want to receive notifications, no matter where you are.
Here is the link to sign up for Multnomah county alerts, including Fairview, Gresham, Maywood Park, Portland, Troutdale, Wood Village, Corbett, Sauvie Island, and all other unincorporated communities.
Staying Informed During a Communications Outage in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management explains how to stay informed when cell service, internet, or power goes down by using tools like battery‑powered or hand‑crank weather radios, enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone, and preparing printed evacuation routes and contacts in advance.
This resource also focuses on:
- signing up for local alerts (such as OR‑Alert and county systems)
- having multiple ways to receive updates, and
- planning for communication gaps
so you can act quickly during a disaster.
Pet & Human First Aid Apps
Red Cross Pet First Aid
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand with videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice.
This app also enables you to find your nearest emergency vet hospital or pet-friendly hotels, if an emergency or evacuation arises.
Red Cross Human First Aid App
The official American Red Cross First Aid app provides expert advice for everyday emergencies and is integrated with 911.
It features preloaded content, which means you have instant access to all safety information at anytime, even without reception or an internet connection.
Severe Weather & Natural Disaster Warning Apps
Dark Sky
Dark Sky uses state-of-the-art technology to predict when it will rain or snow — down to the minute — at your exact location, and features real-time radar and more.
The Weather Channel
Enjoy the best day possible with the most accurate forecast available. Can be programmed to send push notifcations and weather alerts to your mobile device.
NOAA Weather Radio
NOAA Weather Radio is a powerful app that streams live broadcasts from over 200 NOAA Weather Radio stations, delivering nonstop updates on warnings, watches, advisories, and forecasts.
It also sends 24/7 audible alerts for severe weather – even when your phone is locked or the app isn’t open. You can view current conditions and a detailed forecast for your local station or use GPS/Wi-Fi for location-based weather info.
NOAA WEA Wireless Emergency Alerts (No app needed)
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, and the National Weather Service.
Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency. With WEA, alerts can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without need to download an app or subscribe to a service.
You can receive the following alerts:
- Extreme Weather and Hydrologic Warnings
- Local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action
- AMBER Alerts
- Blue Alerts
- Presidential Alerts during a national emergency
Floodwatch
FloodWatch allows users to monitor rivers and streams throughout the United States. Add USGS gauges to your favorites for quick monitoring of local current gauge height, precipitation, and flood stage.
QuakeFeed
QuakeFeed includes seven base maps provided by Esri, the worldwide leader in GIS (geographic information systems). Choose from either the 1-day, 7-day or 30-day USGS data feeds.
Emergency & Disaster Preparedness Apps
Emergency Preparedness Manual
Disasters hit when you least expect it and this guide will help you and loved ones be ready to rebound from almost any disaster or emergency quickly and safely.
Topics cover everything you’d expect from an Emergency Preparedness Manual and includes sections on how to make your own Disaster Supplies Kit, how to re-charge your phone when there is no electricity, how to purify water, and even where to get pills to protect yourself from nuclear radiation.
OFFLINE ACCESS – In a disaster there will always be a chance wireless communications and/or the internet will be unavailable. Googling wont be possible. By having this content local on your phone means it will be available whenever and wherever you need it. Be ready and be safe.
Download: Apple | Emergency Response Guide Android
Red Cross Weather, Emergency, First Aid & Safety Apps
Explore ALL the latest free weather, emergency, first aid and safety apps from the American Red Cross.
Download: Red Cross Mobile Apps
First Aid & Safety Apps for Kids: Red Cross Apps for Kids
FEMA App
The FEMA mobile app for phones and tablets contains disaster safety tips, an interactive emergency kit list, storable emergency meeting locations, and a map with open shelters and open FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).