Last updated on Monday, the app continues to receive consistent one-star ratings out of five from Apple and Android users, with comments questioning its effectiveness in emergencies.

The new app was released last month and has been downloaded 475,000 times, replacing the existing FireReady app in an attempt to bring together information about all types of emergencies.

The app also allows users to tailor their information to suit their location – released in time for the bushfire season.

But users remain unimpressed, urging Emergency Management Victoria to bring back the old app.

“This app is going to cost lives if this season gets bad,” one Android user commented.

“I live in a high risk area, had Ash Wednesday 1983 go through my property so want clear, easy to access info. This app does not do it,” an Apple user wrote.

Some reported receiving repeated notifications outside of their watch area, while others could not access the app because of poor internet service.

Since the update earlier this week, the app has received 14 one-star ratings from 17 Apple users. The latest update allowed people to set up their own watch zones without creating a profile.

A spokesperson for Emergency Management Victoria said they were continuing to respond to feedback about the app.

“Another release of the VicEmergency app will be available later this week and will include some major enhancements and fixes,” she said.

“The community has provided constructive and important feedback about the VicEmergency app and we have taken action to implement a number of changes and new enhancements in response to that.

“Our top priority has been to improve the performance of the app to make it faster and more responsive. The developers and testing teams have worked to remove a number of bugs and introduce new enhancements.”

EMV encouraged people to download the app and become accustomed to its interface and design.

The spokesperson said the app was still crucial to bushfire safety.

“We’ve given VicEmergency users the choice to get information the way that suits them,” she said.

“It’s important to remember that the VicEmergency app has replaced the FireReady app. FireReady is no longer providing current data or emergency information.

“As summer kicks in, we encourage the community to download the VicEmergency app now, get used to it, and know how it works before there is an emergency.”