Tasmanians can now stay informed about emergencies in their area with the launch of the new TasALERT mobile app.
The app is an extension of the TasALERT website and provides a central source for emergency information and warnings.
It also provides information on current emergencies, evacuation centres and road closures, as well as safety tips and advice.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Felix Ellis said the app is designed to save lives by ensuring people know what to do in the event of an emergency.
“We know that strong communication and people knowing what to do in the event of an emergency can save lives,” he said.
“Developing this app that gives people the ability to customise the notifications that they get in the middle of an emergency is critical for community response.”
Acting Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Matt Lowe said the app will assist the Tasmanian Fire Service (TFS) in their response to bushfires and floods.
“Whenever the Tasmanian community is threatened by bushfire or flood, our number one operational priority is to issue warnings so the community can be aware, put in, enact their action plans and make themselves safe,” he said.
“This is a tool in a suite of tools we have for the community to get their information.”
The app cost $849,421 to develop, with funding coming from the state government ($497,496), the federal government ($210,925) and the Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Grant program ($141,000).
