Telecommunications services like your mobile phone, landline and internet are vital during an emergency or natural disaster to help stay connected and informed. However, no network technology is 100 per cent resilient.
To stay informed during an emergency or natural disaster, plan ahead and don’t rely on a single type of communications technology to get information. Consider how you will communicate if your mobile, landline and internet service are not available.
Steps you can take to be prepared include:
- Adding a portable battery powered AM radio with a spare set of batteries to your emergency kit, so you can stay up to date with emergency information.
- For information on what other items to include in your emergency kit, check the emergency service organisation website in your state or territory.
- Keep your mobile charged and have a backup power source, like a battery pack.
- Have cash on hand, as EFTPOS or ATMs may not be work if there is a telecommunications or power outage because of a natural disaster.
- Prepare an emergency plan and let your family and friends know what it is before you have to act on it.
- Have a paper copy of contact details for your family and friends.
- While you can, monitor your local and commercial radio and television stations, as well as local emergency service websites and social feeds for up-to-date warnings and information.
- Follow advice from emergency personnel on the ground and Emergency Alert phone messages if received.