Elizabeth Bubel joined the American Red Cross in 2015 and has been the program manager for the Red Cross Emergency app since 2020.
The Emergency app aims to empower a diverse public to prepare, respond, and recover from climate-affected hazards. Everyone has a right to prepare for disasters. That is why Bubel developed a vision and strategy for the new Emergency app and launched it in May 2022.
It is designed to serve people who speak Spanish, people with disabilities, individuals with low income, and individuals with limited literacy. The Emergency app aims to achieve Web Content Accessibility 2.2 AA Guidelines.
Users can customize the Emergency app to their needs. People can choose from more than 40 alerts issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/U.S. Geological Survey, accompanied by just-in-time safety information in English and Spanish; customize how they receive their alerts; follow storm and weather changes with free radar maps; and track the air quality index in their chosen area. The Emergency app features step-by-step guides to help users prepare and uses games and interactive elements to reinforce learning. Users can easily find open Red Cross shelters with an interactive map.
The app and Bubel’s work have achieved national awards and recognition, including the 2023 Webby Award for Best App in Class for Public Service and Activism; gold, silver, and community voice awards in Humanitarian Action for the 2024 Anthem Awards, and the 2023 American Red Cross, Dr. Charles R. Drew Memorial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award.