VicEmergency app launches today

The new VicEmergency app launches today. It will provide Victorians with access to warnings and incidents for fires, floods, storms, earthquake, tsunamis and water safety. The VicEmergency app replaces the FireReady app and is now available to download from the App Store or Google Play.

The VicEmergency website emergency.vic.gov.au has also been upgraded. Plus a new 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 where you can ask about the latest warnings, where relief centres are and general information.

The VicEmergency hotline does not replace 132 500 for SES requests for assistance for flood, storms, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis during an emergency. For all life-threatening emergencies call triple zero (000).

Get real time alerts about flood, fire, storm and more

Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said with warm weather on the way and storms and floods a regular feature in Victoria, now was the time to upgrade to the new VicEmergency app.

“The new VicEmergency app and hotline is in line with our all communities, all emergencies approach and will work alongside the upgraded VicEmergency website to provide timely information about all emergencies,” he said.

“The VicEmergency app, hotline and website will come together this summer to provide the community with the best information so they can make the critical decisions about their own safety.

“Download the VicEmergency app now so you know how it works well before you need to use it.”

Mr 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 website, app and hotline will provide a joint 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.’’

Discover the new features of the VicEmergency app

The VicEmergency app provides an improved user-experience with a range of new features, capabilities and design improvements. New features 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

You can now create a profile and define the area of your watch zones. Plus you can Vic Emergency app across multiple devices including mobile phones, tablets and the VicEmergency website. For the first time, users can also register to receive warnings and notifications via email.

Victorians are reminded to know how to stay informed and to never rely on one source for emergency information.

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.

Download now

• For Androids go to Google Play
• For iOS go to iTunes