Free disasterwatch smartphone app passes 10,000 downloads
Robert McClelland
posted Thursday, 9 February 2012
Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that more than 10,000 Australians now get the latest official disaster information in the palm of their hand thanks to the Australian Government’s free DisasterWatch smartphone app.
“Apart from the convenience of getting the latest reliable disaster information delivered directly, DisasterWatch means less people need to call Triple Zero for information,” said Mr McClelland. “This frees up Triple Zero to quickly help people who really need it.
“I encourage more Australians to download this free smartphone app to get quick access to information about emergencies and disasters across the country,” said Mr McClelland.
“The DisasterWatch app pulls up to date disaster information into your mobile device via direct feeds from a range of authoritative States, Territory and national sources.
“Now that the disaster season is underway with recent events across the country, DisasterWatch gives the 4.5 million Australians who currently own smartphones, access to a free and instant source for the latest disaster information.
“Nearly half of all calls to Triple Zero are non-urgent calls and when a disaster happens, calls are often requests for information about the disaster.
"If more people use DisasterWatch we can reduce unnecessary calls to Triple Zero and keep this important service available for emergencies.”
Mr McClelland encouraged those Australians who use the app, to let the Australian Government know what other features they might like to see included.
“There has been considerable interest in this app, and it is great to see so many Australia’s engaging with information on disaster risk through this technology,” Mr McClelland said.
“We are always looking at new ways to provide Australians with emergency management information. I urge people to tell us how we can expand the app,” said Mr McClelland.
Visit http://mobileapps.aemi.edu.au to leave comments or suggestions.
DisasterWatch is available for both Android and iPhone. More info: www.em.gov.au
Tags: disaster, technology