Amidst the disruptions caused by the recent Optus network outage, authorities are seizing the moment to stress the importance of being prepared for bushfire season, highlighting the necessity for South Australians to have reliable access to emergency information, even when standard communication channels are down.
State Duty Commander Ray Jackson has emphasised the critical nature of staying informed about local Fire Danger Ratings, which indicate the potential severity of bushfires.
‘People need to check the Fire Danger Ratings daily in their area so they know how dangerous a bushfire could be if it did occur and be prepared to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan without receiving an emergency warning’, Jackson explains.
The outage experienced by Optus customers serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in relying too heavily on a single source for emergency information.
‘This outage is a really important reminder for South Australians to not to rely on a single source of information for emergency warning information’, Jackson remarks.
He further assures the community that the Country Fire Service (CFS) is equipped with protocols to issue warnings even when communication networks are compromised. However, the community’s role remains pivotal.
‘The CFS has plans in place to send out warnings when communication networks fail, and the community needs to do the same to ensure they are ready to act decisively the moment there is a bushfire in their area’, he says.
Jackson also urges South Australians to engage in community solidarity by ensuring their neighbours are equally informed and prepared. ‘Speak to your neighbours and make sure other people in your community are prepared to act.’
In conditions categorised as Extreme or Catastrophic, the absence of essential services like power, water, and phones becomes a real possibility. In such scenarios, Jackson advises, ‘If the internet is down, use a battery-powered radio to listen to your local radio station to hear emergency warnings and alerts.’
Despite the Optus network issues, customers are not left in the dark regarding CFS Warnings. These can be accessed via website, email, and social media channels using a WIFI service or through the Information Hotline at 1800 362 361.
This combination of self-preparedness and community interaction is deemed essential for mitigating the risks posed by bushfires. With the bushfire season looming, South Australians are called upon to review their emergency plans and stay vigilant, ensuring that they are ready to respond effectively, regardless of the challenges posed by potential service outages.
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