# Disaster Detector

> Educational game for predicting and preparing for natural disasters. (iPhone/iPad app by Smithsonian Institution.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/disaster-detector/id1032864032 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Smithsonian Institution](https://appshunter.io/developer/370564865)
- Category: Games, Education, Simulation
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.10/5 from 54 App Store ratings · 20 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 5.1.1 · 57 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2015-09-24
- Data updated: 2026-07-23
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/disaster-detector/id1032864032/reviews.md

## What is Disaster Detector?

The citizens of Smithsonville are in dire need of a Disaster Detector! Help Smithsonville and other cities predict and prepare for natural disasters. Use tools to make predictions and save the city from damage by helping citizens prepare properly. Are you up for the challenge?

From the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Disaster Detector teaches players how to analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and how to implement tools to mitigate the effects of those disasters.

FEATURES
- Prepare the city for possible tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes
- Analyze data from tools such as Doppler radar, anemometers, barometers, and seismometer
- Players learn how to analyze current and historical data to make predictions
- Printable reports
- For use in the classroom or at home
- Aligned to national science standards for middle school but great for players of any age
- Audio and text interplay

## Key features

- Predict tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes
- Analyze data from Doppler radar, anemometers, barometers, and seismometers
- Learn to forecast events using current and historical data
- Generate printable reports
- Suitable for classroom or home use
- Audio and text interplay

## Recent user reviews (10 of 20)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/disaster-detector/id1032864032/reviews.md

### 5/5 — cool game

*2026-04-11, version 1.1*

the character design is pretty nice and game is pretty fun but barely any updates

### 5/5 — how?

*2025-11-08, version 1.1*

First this was made 5 years ago and we 4 disasters and 5 levels only how please respond update the game PLEASE do you even care about us do you even care about your game answer that for me ok?

### 5/5 — Fire music

*2024-11-17, version 1.1*

There only two songs but they are amazing.

### 5/5 — Good

*2023-03-19, version 1.1*

This is a good game for kids who want to learn about weather and what causes certain disasters but for a real game I would only rate it ⭐️⭐️ stars

### 5/5 — Good but

*2023-01-07*

It could do an update, because there is almost nothing to do and it’s so simple, I even got one town with only tornadoes and I would keep getting it right, make more cities or disasters as the current ones are terrible

### 1/5 — Messed with my device

*2023-01-03, version 1.1*

I had this game before, but it caused my tablet to glitch and slow down so I had to delete it. Please fix this issue so more people can play this game. Please respond to this. Thanks 😊

### 2/5 — I NEED MORREEE

*2021-06-10, version 1.1*

Pls add more disaster like tsunami, asteroids, floods

PLSSSSS

### 4/5 — More Disasters please.

*2021-02-13, version 1.1*

Can you add Tsunami, Asteroid, Landslides? It’s will be the best disaster game I have if you do that.

### 5/5 — More levels

*2020-08-19, version 1.1*

I love this game but there is more you need to add more levels

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2020-07-19, version 1.1*

More disasters maybe astroids

## Frequently asked questions about Disaster Detector

### What types of disasters can Disaster Detector help prepare for?

Disaster Detector allows players to prepare the city for possible tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The game focuses on teaching prediction and mitigation strategies for these events.

### What scientific tools are used in Disaster Detector?

Players can analyze data from tools such as Doppler radar, anemometers, barometers, and seismometers within Disaster Detector. These tools help in understanding and forecasting natural hazards.

### Is Disaster Detector suitable for younger children?

While aligned to national science standards for middle school, Disaster Detector is great for players of any age. The age rating is 4+, indicating it's appropriate for a wide range of users.

### Can I use Disaster Detector offline?

The provided data does not specify if Disaster Detector supports offline play. However, its educational nature suggests it may function without a constant internet connection.

### Does Disaster Detector have multiplayer features?

There is no mention of multiplayer features in the description for Disaster Detector. It appears to be designed as a single-player educational experience.

### How often is Disaster Detector updated?

Disaster Detector was last updated on December 29, 2015, to version 1.1. This indicates infrequent updates, with the initial release being September 24, 2015.

### What devices does Disaster Detector support?

Disaster Detector currently supports iPads. The provided data does not list support for iPhones or other devices.

### What do users like about Disaster Detector?

With a rating of 4.1 stars from 54 ratings, users generally appreciate Disaster Detector's educational value in teaching about natural disasters and scientific tools. The ability to analyze data and prepare cities is a key highlight.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.1 — 2015-12-29

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Various defect fixes. New app icon.

### 1.0 — 2015-09-24

No release notes.

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [Twisted Tornado](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twisted-tornado/id6636529932) | — | Free | Games |
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| [Unnatural Disaster](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unnatural-disaster/id1187685295) | 4.0 (14) | $4.99 | Games |

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All apps by Smithsonian Institution: https://appshunter.io/developer/370564865

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-23.*