The Country Fire Service (CFS) says yesterday’s 13.5 hour nation-wide Optus outage serves as a reminder to get prepared for potential future emergencies when technology may fail.
Internet and phone connections can be affected during bushfire events and while the CFS has plans in place to send out warnings when communication networks fail, residents in bushfire prone areas are encouraged to have a robust bushfire survival plan in place.
State Duty Commander, Ray Jackson, says yesterday’s outage shows South Australians should not rely on one single piece of technology or one source of information for emergency warning information.
“In Extreme/Catastrophic fire conditions, essential services including power, water and phones may not be available. If the internet is down, use a battery powered radio to listen to your local radio station to hear emergency warnings and alerts,” he said.
“Speak to your neighbours and make sure other people in your community are prepared to act.”
Our radio station provides regular up-to-date Emergency warning and Watch and Act messages during bushfire events and shares information in hourly weather reports about total fireban information. We recommend having spare batteries with your battery-powered radio in case your radio loses power.
CFS Warnings are available on the website, email and social media channels using a WIFI service or call the Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.
Public payphones offer free calls and text messages nationally.
For more information visit: https://cfs.sa.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/warnings/stay-informed.
