Australia

Stay fire safe and have a keep connected plan

Augusta and Margaret River residents are being urged to develop a “keep connected” plan in case of a major fire or a storm over the summer period. Telstra Regional General Manager Boyd Brown said telecommunications could be crucial before, during and after a natural disaster. “Whether its the ability to call for help, let loved ones know youre ok or get your business back up and running, we know how important connectivity is when disaster hits,” Mr Brown said. “Even if you dont live in an area thats at risk, you might be holidaying or driving through a disaster-prone area, so please remain vigilant and plan ahead so that you are prepared as you can be should disaster strike.” Mr Brown said Telstra uses a range of technologies to support emergency services and impacted communities during times of natural disasters. “Our preparation for the summer storm and bushfire season begins months in advance, including network testing and developing plans to protect our critical infrastructure in at-risk areas.” Mr Brown said a list of measures in place early could avoid placing yourself at risk, including: Purchase a phone charger that isnt dependent on a power outlet. Solar power chargers, in-car chargers and power bank chargers are all reliable options; Back up important data, like contact information and photos, to your cloud; Compile a list of essential numbers to store in your phone, including local Police, Fire, SES, family, friends; Satellite phones are usually immune to damaged infrastructure and can operate in remote locations. If communications are critical you could consider a satellite phone. For NBN customers – Its important to remember if your home phone now works through the modem and theres a power outage, your phone line will also be down. Best to have a mobile phone handy, or a satellite phone for those in remote areas. Keep a spare plug-in phone handy – Your cordless phone is great, but remember most modern cordless phones rely on electric power to operate, so you may lose the use of your landline during a power outage. A plug-in phone connects you to the telephone exchange.

Telstra Regional General Manager Boyd Brown is encouraging Margaret River residents to create a keep connected plan to stay fire safe this summer. He is pictured with Vasse MLA Libby Mettam.

Augusta and Margaret River residents are being urged to develop a “keep connected” plan in case of a major fire or a storm over the summer period.

Telstra Regional General Manager Boyd Brown said telecommunications could be crucial before, during and after a natural disaster.

“Whether its the ability to call for help, let loved ones know youre ok or get your business back up and running, we know how important connectivity is when disaster hits,” Mr Brown said. “Even if you dont live in an area thats at risk, you might be holidaying or driving through a disaster-prone area, so please remain vigilant and plan ahead so that you are prepared as you can be should disaster strike.”

Mr Brown said Telstra uses a range of technologies to support emergency services and impacted communities during times of natural disasters. “Our preparation for the summer storm and bushfire season begins months in advance, including network testing and developing plans to protect our critical infrastructure in at-risk areas.”

Mr Brown said a list of measures in place early could avoid placing yourself at risk, including:

Purchase a phone charger that isnt dependent on a power outlet. Solar power chargers, in-car chargers and power bank chargers are all reliable options; Back up important data, like contact information and photos, to your cloud; Compile a list of essential numbers to store in your phone, including local Police, Fire, SES, family, friends; Satellite phones are usually immune to damaged infrastructure and can operate in remote locations. If communications are critical you could consider a satellite phone.

For NBN customers – Its important to remember if your home phone now works through the modem and theres a power outage, your phone line will also be down. Best to have a mobile phone handy, or a satellite phone for those in remote areas.

Keep a spare plug-in phone handy – Your cordless phone is great, but remember most modern cordless phones rely on electric power to operate, so you may lose the use of your landline during a power outage. A plug-in phone connects you to the telephone exchange.

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Margaret River Mail

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