COMMUNICATION IN EMERGENCIES - GET PREPARED!

As bushfire season approaches with forest fuel growth driven by a wet spring and summer, it is time to brush up on your communication plan in case of an emergency. To help you stay safe and connected during an emergency, here are some simple steps to prepare for unexpected communication outages:

• If communication networks go down and you’re concerned for your safety, don’t wait to be told to evacuate – prepare and leave early.

• Plan ahead and don’t rely on a single type of communications technology to keep connected. Consider how you will communicate if your mobile, landline and/or internet services are not available.

• Consider buying a portable radio (solar powered or have a spare set of batteries) in your emergency kit so you can stay up to date with emergency information.

• Keep your mobile charged and have a backup power source, like a battery pack. It is still possible to contact 000 with a charged mobile phone, in mobile reception areas, even if you do not have a mobile plan or SIM card.

• Write down contact numbers and email addresses for family and friends so you have these available even if your phone or other electronic devices aren’t available or working.

• If you have UHF CB Legally restricted UHF channels Channels 5 and 35 are reserved for emergency use.

For information, check out tips from the Australian Government Communications in emergencies page or the Regional Tech Hub website.