As much as we should be thankful for how much technological advancements have made our modes of communication more efficient and accessible, we should also be wary of the one pitfall these modernizations bear.
Mobile and internet services depend on sources of power that could just be gone at any time, especially in calamities.
Even if Australia has some of the world’s most dependable fixed and mobile networks, no one should solely rely on a single communication method.
While you might turn on being able to make calls or use apps, websites, and social media feeds to get updates during emergencies and natural disasters, keep in mind that these services could go out in these scenarios.
Australians ought to be better equipped for the loss of telecommunications and electricity, so they do not get cut off from the outside world and lose access to vital life-saving information amid natural disasters.
Take note of these tips and preventive measures to be prepared for power and telecommunication outages during disasters.
Before a disaster:
- Save significant phone numbers to your phones, such as the “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contacts, the State Emergency Services (SES), the Police Assistance Line (PAL) in your state or territory, and the contact information for disaster information lines. If you have ICE contacts saved on your phone, it might be quicker and simpler for emergency personnel or bystanders to get in touch with someone who can provide them with crucial information about you. Tell your ICE contacts that they are saved on your phone, and let them know if you have any specific needs or medical conditions.
- Create a list of family contacts. If a disaster in your neighborhood impacts you, list at least one out-of-town contact who may be able to contact family members on your behalf.
- Download educational smartphone apps to aid in disaster planning and stay informed about current events.
- Keep fully charged batteries and car chargers on hand for emergency backup power for your smartphone.
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During a disaster:
- Only use the emergency Triple Zero (000) number when someone requires immediate medical attention or if life or property is in danger.
- Do not dial 0000 or Triple Zero for information. Look for trustworthy disaster information on local TV and radio and consult websites for emergency services, information hotlines, and social media sites for advice. (Ideally, use fixed internet and landlines and, if possible, avoid mobile gadgets.)
- Avoid watching on a mobile device, downloading songs or movies, streaming, playing games online, etc. These actions may increase network traffic and negatively impact network usage by emergency services in your area during a disaster.
- Reduce the brightness of your phone’s screen, put it in airplane mode, turn off ‘push’ mail and notifications, and quit any background programs you are not using to save battery life for essential uses.
- Limit the quantity and length of SMS text messages and phone calls as these may disrupt the transmission of potentially life-saving emergency voice calls to Triple Zero (000). The reduction may hasten the delivery of telephone-based Emergency Alert notifications from emergency agencies to populations affected by disasters. Everyone in a disaster-affected area should aim to lessen the strain on telecommunications networks to aid those attempting to assist the community.
- If you need to take pictures of any damage after a disaster and do not want to risk emptying your phone’s battery, charge your digital camera or keep extra batteries available as a backup.
- You can charge your phone in your car in case of power outages. Make sure your automobile is in a well-ventilated area (take it from the garage) and wait to get in it until any risk has gone before doing so. For crucial news alerts, you may also use your car radio.
Damages and casualties are inevitable outcomes of a natural disaster, but we can cut them down with proper preparedness, particularly in communicating valuable information regarding calamities.
Remember: Knowledge is power, regardless of what form it comes in.
Source: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications , and the Arts, Australian Mobile Telecommunications
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
