Cleveland Fire Brigade integrates with what3words location technology

Cleveland Fire Brigade’s fire crews can now quickly pinpoint an emergency caller’s exact location thanks to integration with the what3words app.

The free app means that no matter where they are – in a field or the roadside, by a river bank or just outside one of a shopping centre’s many entrances – help can be sent to the precise location. This could be a fire, water rescue, people trapped in a road traffic accident or any other incident.

what3words has divided the world into 3m x 3m squares and each one has been given a unique three word address, which lets anyone give their exact location simply by using these three words. For example, Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Training and Administration Hub is identified as ‘grab.wicked.jungle’. The brigade is encouraging people across Cleveland to download the free App to their phone to ensure, in the event of an emergency, fire crews can locate them.

Alison Farndale, Control Manager, Cleveland Fire Brigade, said, “The latest technology has been integrated into our control room systems so the simple three word location can be shared with our control room operators allowing us to get out to you more quickly and improving efficiency.

“You can use it to find out the what3words for your own home or nearby spots just in case you need them in the future for example on your route to work, areas where you regularly walk or play sports. Downloading the app to your phone will save those vital seconds in getting to you in an emergency and could save your life”.

what3words is particularly useful when you are in rural locations, in unfamiliar areas or at large events such as concerts. It is free-to-use and available from the what3words website or app store.