Red Cross App uses Gaming to Teach Children about Disasters

A newly released version of the Monster Guard: Prepare for Emergencies App can help save lives through gaming. Children between the ages of 7 and 11 role play as different monster characters and can earn points while learning how to be safe in home fires, hurricanes, floods and other disasters.

Children earn points as they direct the characters to identify hazards, locate a safe room in the house, and select items for their emergency supplies kit. They can earn gold, silver or bronze medals based on the number of points they score and star multipliers located throughout the episodes allow them to bump their scores even higher. If a player completes all the episodes, he or she will graduate and become a member of the ‘Monster Guard.’

Available for tablets and other mobile devices, the new version of the app runs on iOS 7 and above. The previous version runs on Android OS 4x and up. Go to redcross.org/monsterguard or text ‘MONSTER’ to 90999 for a direct link to download the free app. Children should ask a parent or guardian for permission to download the app.

The app compliments The Pillowcase Project – a youth preparedness program to increase awareness and reduce fear. Both the app and The Pillowcase Project are sponsored by Disney.

Check out all of the Red Cross apps at redcross.org/apps.