A new app designed to help keep South Australians safe and informed during risky bushfire conditions is now available for smart phone users.
Alert SA is an emergency services smart phone application that provides timely, relevant bushfire information to communities across the state.
Based on the hugely successful Fires Near Me app in New South Wales, Alert SA combines data from the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and displays bushfire alerts, warnings and updates as well as Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Ban information.
Users are also able to create multiple Watch Zones, specifying areas across the state which are of interest to them.
The Alert SA app has undergone extensive user acceptance testing to ensure it is reliable and able to withstand large volumes of users during peak periods.
Minister for Emergency Services Corey Wingard said it is pleasing to have the app ready for the 2019/2020 bushfire danger season.
“A lot of hard work has gone into ensuring South Australia has an app that works and will withstand high demand when it is needed most,” the Minister said.
“With a run of hot days on the horizon it is reassuring to know there is another tool in the toolbox when it comes to keeping informed about bushfire risks.
“But it is important to never rely on just one source of information. Other channels should be used including the CFS website, social media, radio and talking to friends and family.”
The South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) Chief Executive Dom Lane said the project team will continue to build the Alert SA app.
“We will be adding to the app to include other hazards like floods and storms and those releases are planned throughout 2020,” Mr Lane said.
South Australians can download the Alert SA app now from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
The Alert SA website also provides further information about the app including useful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for users.
Other methods for keeping up to date this bushfire season include:
- Visiting www.cfs.sa.gov.au and subscribing to bushfire warnings and other important CFS information
- Checking and following Facebook@CountryFireService or Twitter@CFSAlerts
- Listening to a battery powered radio
- Calling the Bushfire Information Hotline: 1800 362 361 (TTY 133 677)
- Talking to friends, family and neighbours.
