New VicEmergency App now launched

Published on 20 December 2016

Gannawarra Shire Council is encouraging residents to install the new VicEmergency app which provides Victorians with access to warnings and incidents for fires, floods, storms, earthquake, tsunamis and water safety.

Mayor Cr Brian Gibson explains that the VicEmergency app replaces the FireReady app and provides a range of new features.

"In addition to the app the VicEmergency website www.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."

"We know that our area is prone to hot weather and the occasional incidents of fire, floods and storms so it is important for residents to know where to access accurate information," Cr Gibson said.

Emergency Management Victoria explains that the new features of the VicEmergency app include:

•  Incident and warning notifications for all emergencies
•  User profile that enables simultaneous access to watch zones and emergency notifications across multiple devices
•  Creation of up to 20 watch zones tailored to individual locations and needs
•  Ability to edit watch zones and turn notifications on and off.
•  Screen view rotation to view the incident map horizontally
•  Responsive design for iPads and tablet devices
• The VicEmergency website upgraded to create and edit watch zones and send email notifications

Emergency Management Commissioner Mr Craig Lapsley said a new VicEmergency hotline would also be used this summer to make it easier for the community to access emergency information through one number.

The VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226 will bring together all emergency numbers including the Victorian Bushfire Information Line, the Victorian Emergency Relief Information Line and the VICSES Flood and Storm Information Line.

"The VicEmergency website, app and hotline will provide a joined-up approach for Victorians to access timely information for a number of emergencies across multiple channels,’’ he said.

"Through having access to better information, we can make better decisions that result in better outcomes and a safer community.’’

The VicEmergency website, app and hotline brings together information and warnings from agencies including Country Fire Authority (CFA), Department of Economic Development and Transport and Resources (DEDJTR), Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Life Saving Victoria, Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), and Victoria State Emergency Service (SES).

Mayor Gibson encouraged residents to download the VicEmergency app, and become familiar with its use well before you may need to use it.

Victorians can get emergency information from a number of sources including the VicEmergency app, www.emergency.vic.gov.au, tuning in to ABC radio or other emergency broadcasters including commercial and community radio stations or Sky TV or by phoning the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and following VicEmergency on Facebook and Twitter.

…ENDS…