What3Words

What3Words

Some time ago we drew attention to the free app What3Words and its potential to assist the emergency services in pinpointing locations. The app divides the world into 3m x 3m squares and assigns each a three-word sequence. For instance, our base at Wax Chandlers’ Hall is defined by shares.like.deaf.

Recently, Cleveland Fire Brigade reported a successful water rescue assisted by use of the app. The brigade received a call from four young men stranded in a boat on the River Tees at 10:00pm. They had no clear idea of their location and were asked by brigade control staff to download the app and give their three word location. A specialist water rescue team was then able to locate the boat and tow it to safety.

We urge readers to download the app before they are in a situation in which they need it.

Source: Emergency Services Tines, October 2019.