Prepare your tech now and stay connected during a bushfire
By Laura Thomas
In rural communities, it’s well understood that maintaining firebreaks, checking water and servicing firefighting equipment are all standard elements of fire season preparedness.
But have you stopped to consider the importance of technology in the event of a bushfire or natural disaster?
New modelling released by the Emergency Leaders for Climate Action this week revealed Australia is facing longer, fiercer fire seasons.
It predicts “bushfires will cost Australia an average of $6 billion a year over the next 30 years, as climate change drives more frequent major fires”.
And with warnings of an extreme fire danger season ahead in the news every other day and farmers bogged down in traditional, on-ground preparations, for many, technology can be an afterthought.
But in a world increasingly dependent on technology, the smartphone in your top pocket could become the very lifeline you need.
When bushfires and natural disaster hits, staying connected is crucial, especially for those living in rural and remote areas.
Temporary Disaster Roaming was activated in Australia on 1 October, providing regional Australians with a safety net when their mobile network goes down during a natural disaster.
The move follows a lengthy testing period, with Australia’s three major telcos finally giving the greenlight to a system that gives customers access to a rival network if their own goes down during a weather emergency.
The Australian Government’s new national warning system, AusAlert, has also been enabled, touted as a “fast and reliable way to help people be informed and better prepared during local and national emergencies”.
Now is the time to familiarise yourself and prepare your tech – such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices – so you can stay in touch during an emergency.
Update: Device software is constantly being updated to fix bugs and improve network reliability and compatibility. Turning on the automatic software update install function on your device can help ensure you’re always up-to-date.
Power up: Set up a charging station and keep your devices fully charged.
Save battery: Learn how to enable your device’s low-power mode. Lowering screen brightness and turning off unused apps and wi-fi will allow you to get longer life from your battery charge.
Use a portable power bank: Keep a high-capacity power bank (10,000 mAh or more) fully charged for use when your device goes flat.
Vehicle charging: Keep device charging cables in your car to use when the power goes down.
Backup your data: Upload any important documents, treasured photos and contact lists to a cloud-based storage platform or download them to an external hard-drive, in case your device is lost or inaccessible.
Offline tools: Download maps, emergency services apps, and first-aid guides to your phone or device. This will allow you to access important information, even without network coverage.
Save your contacts: Write down key phone numbers for family, insurance, and local authorities on paper, in case your device is lost or loses power.
Stay informed: Your local ABC Radio station, supported by ABC Emergency, will provide crucial warnings and directions from emergency agencies, the SES and Local Government. Tune in by downloading the Listen app or tuning in to your local frequency.
Stay vigilant in the grove
In last week’s edition of Friday Olive Extracts, olive growers were urged to remain vigilant around bushfire and ensure their properties are properly prepared.
You can read the article now, on the AOA website.
Sources:
www.emergencyleadersforclimateaction.org.au
www.abc.net.au
www.ausalert.gov.au
Image: Unsplash