Smartphone app getting you bushfire ready
Published Date: 09 Nov 2013
Summary
Daily Liberal By KIM BARTLEY
FORGET the diamonds. In a state prone to bushfires, a new and free smartphone application (app) is a girl's best friend.
She's listened to the advice of team manager and big fan of the plan Lyndon Wieland, who reiterated its importance as fires raged in late October.
After returning from duty in Katoomba, Superintendent Wieland said residents of the Blue Mountains "will tell you at the moment" that having a plan saves lives and property.
Police and Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher released the app for use by NSW residents this month.
"Having a plan and taking decisive action can make the difference in surviving a bushfire," he said.
NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the app complemented the existing bush fire survival plan available from fire control centres and the RFS website.
"We know during a bushfire one of the first things people take is their mobile phone and this puts important safety information right at their fingertips," he said.
"Anyone who lives near the bush should make a bush fire survival plan, which will help them with important decisions on when to leave, what to take and what to do with animals.
"Making a bush fire survival plan, such as through the MyFirePlan app, is an easy process.
"It's not too late to make a plan for this summer."
The MyFirePlan app is available through the Apple App store. or Google Play by searching for bush fire survival plan or MyFirePlan.
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Orana Team member Kennedy Tourle has taken no time in downloading MyFirePlan, another way of making a bush fire survival plan
