Free popular and valuable mobile device applications, the NSW SES Hazards Near Me and Hazards Watch apps have been upgraded in time for peak storm season to now provide users with severe weather warnings.
More than four million people have downloaded the apps and given we are currently in the peak storm season; the upgrade has the potential to provide lifesaving information.
Using the nationally recognised Australian Warning System, Hazards Near Me provides users with three levels of warnings: Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency, to keep communities safe and informed when severe weather is occurring close to their location.
The app can now be configured to receive alerts in real time for fires, floods, a tsunami, and severe weather.
NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM said it had been an incredibly busy summer for volunteers, and urged the public to download the Hazards Near Me NSW app.
“NSW SES volunteers have already responded to more than 4,600 incidents across the state since Christmas Day,” she said.
“The majority of those were for severe weather.
“I would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet downloaded the app to do so and be prepared for whatever hazard may impact your community.”
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said the expansion of the app’s hazards was timely given we’re in the middle of Storm Season, which runs from September to March and typically sees an increase in storm activity.
“Severe weather warnings and alerts are now available immediately on your phone or device. This is in addition to the warnings and alerts for fires, floods and tsunami that are already available on the platform,” Minister Dib said.
“We know February is typically the busiest month for the NSW SES, and in February 2023, the NSW SES responded to 9,288 calls to the State Operations Centre. More than 4,200 of those calls were for storm damage in communities across the state.
“This is why it’s so important to have severe weather warnings included as part of the suite of warnings available on the Hazards Near Me NSW app, Hazard Watch and the NSW SES website.”
To download the Hazards Near Me or Hazard Watch apps visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app