While the safest option is always to leave high-risk areas early, Neighbourhood Safer Places and Community Fire Refuges are a place of last resort during a bushfire.
Bushfires
VicEmergency
Red Cross Get Prepared app
Apps that can help you during bushfire season
Emergency apps provide essential information that could help you make informed decisions during bushfire season.
Being prepared and keeping informed is critical to keeping safe as emergencies such as bushfires unfold.
Several mobile apps are available to assist in dealing with the challenges of bushfires. These apps offer real-time updates, emergency alerts, and resources to help you plan for bushfire season and make informed decisions. Some of the key features of these apps include weather updates, evacuation guidance, and communication tools.
Useful apps to use during bushfire season
VicEmergency
The official emergency warning app for Victoria provides information on unfolding emergencies such as fires, floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis and water safety. The app also contains information about preparing for emergencies and understanding warnings.
The VicEmergency app enables you to create Watch Zones. These allow you to receive location specific information so you are aware of emergencies occurring where you are or where you may be planning to go.
The VicEmergency app is available to download for iPhone and Android.
BOM Weather app
The Bureau of Meteorology is the authoritative source of weather information in Australia and its app provides daily weather information, including severe weather warnings.
Once installed and enabled on your mobile, a notification will appear on your screen whenever a warning is issued that is relevant to your set location, giving timely information to help you make informed decisions.
To enable location services on the BOM Weather app, click on the search bar at the top of the screen. You can then select Use my current location which will enable the app to follow you as you move around. Notifications must be manually set up for a specific location.
The BOM Weather app is available to download for iPhone and Android.
These apps may be helpful in preparing ahead of bushfire season. Image: Getty
Red Cross Get Prepared app
Save your key contacts, get links to your local emergency services agencies, make simple checklists for an emergency, and share your emergency plan using this app developed by the Red Cross.
Using the Get Prepared app, you can complete a comprehensive RediPlan which includes key contacts, meeting places, animal plans, important documents, special items, medical information and stress management plans. This is an easy way to keep all your key emergency plan information in one place.
The Red Cross Get Prepared app is available to download for iPhone and Android.
ABC Listen app
ABC Radio broadcasts up-to-date information as emergencies such as bushfires occur. If necessary, emergency warnings will interrupt normal programming on the radio.
The ABC Listen app is available to download for iPhone and Android.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s)issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
