Emergency services including CFA helped to launch the new VicEmergency app and hotline today, 16 November at Elwood Life Saving Club.
The new app replaces FireReady and will provide emergency warnings and incidents for fires, floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis and water safety.
It brings together emergency information and warnings from CFA, MFB, SES, Life Saving Victoria, Department of Economic Development and Transport and Resources, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and Department of Health and Human Services.
The VicEmergency website emergency.vic.gov.au has also been upgraded and a new VicEmergency hotline released to ensure Victorians continue to receive the best possible emergency information this summer through a range of sources.
CFA Acting Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook said all emergency information and warnings could now be found in the one centralised location.
“This is an important step in bringing together all emergency information across the sector for the benefit of the community,” he said.
“The new app will mirror the VicEmergency website and provide timely, tailored information on all emergencies, not just fires and floods.
“The app is quick and easy to use and can be accessed on Apple and Android mobile phones and tablets.”
Building on the success of FireReady, the new app will continue to provide the community with warning and incident notifications that are tailored to individual locations called watch zones.
The new VicEmergency app and upgraded VicEmergency website enables users to create up to 20 tailored watch zones that can target the areas that are relevant to them, so they can receive essential information tailored to their unique needs.
Mr Cook said residents needed to upgrade to the VicEmergency app now.
“FireReady stopped sending emergency warnings and information at 9am today and will be turned off later this week,” he said.
“It is really important for Victorians to download the VicEmergency app today, so you know how it works before you need to use it.’’
Mr Cook said residents should never rely on just one source for emergency information.
“We encourage residents to always use more than one source for warnings, including tuning into ABC local radio, by calling the VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226), or following VicEmergency or CFA on Twitter or Facebook.”
For more information go to emergency.vic.gov.au.
To download the app on Apple devices click here.
To download the app on Google Play click here.
Author: CFA Media