What3words is now used by 80% of the emergency services in the UK and has helped to locate nearly 4,000 incidents since it first started being used. It’s also used by other agencies including the National Grid, Network Rail and the Environment Agency, enabling communities to accurately report the location of a wide range of emergencies, incidents and crimes.
The what3words system works by assigning every 3m square in the world a unique identifier made up of 3 words – making the location of any emergency or incident very easy to describe and share. For example, ///tortoise.swarm.announce will take you to a precise location on Ben Nevis where, in February 2020, a group of hikers were rescued.
To make sure you’re prepared in the event of an incident or emergency, download the free what3words app from iOS (Apple) or Android by following this link: https://app.what3words.com/FOAi8ApWj9.
If you later need to report a crime, incident or emergency at any point, the relevant service will ask you to give the 3 words that will identify its location. To do this, follow these simple steps:
- Open the what3words app and tap the “Locate me” icon.
- Your location’s what3words address will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.
- Say it over the phone or copy and paste it into a text message.
Please wait for the blue dot to stabilise to ensure the most accurate what3words address displays on your screen. You can also use “compass mode” to check your accuracy. GPS signals are weak inside buildings so if you’re indoors, manually select the square you need for greater accuracy.
To find your home’s what3words address, enter your street address into the app, then zoom in and switch to “satellite mode” for more detail. Select the square that’s closest to the main entrance to your home.
For further details, please visit the what3words website at www.what3words.com.