As summer approaches and the risk of emergencies increases, South Australians have gained a powerful new tool in the form of the enhanced Alert SA app. Initially designed to provide bushfire alerts, the app has now been expanded to offer notifications for a broad range of emergencies, from severe weather events and heatwaves to urban fires, floods, and hazardous materials incidents. The updated app, launched this week, represents a major upgrade, integrating multiple sources of emergency information into a single, user-friendly platform.
The reimagined app brings together South Australia’s emergency services agencies, including the Country Fire Service (CFS), the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), the State Emergency Service (SES), and more, into a seamless multi-hazard alert system. This update aims to ensure that South Australians are well-informed and prepared in the face of various types of emergencies, all year round.
One of the standout features of the app’s upgrade is the ability to track up to 10 “Watch Zones.” Users can create zones based on specific areas of interest, receiving push notifications about incidents and warnings within those areas. This ensures that individuals can stay informed about emergencies close to home or in regions they care about, whether they are at work, home, or elsewhere.
Additionally, the app has added cross-border fire warnings, which is a first for the platform. Notifications will now be issued for fire warnings within a 100-kilometre radius of neighbouring states and territories. This will keep users informed about potential fire risks that could affect their area, regardless of state lines, which is especially important in a state like South Australia, where fires can quickly spread across borders.
In terms of user experience, the latest version of the Alert SA app boasts a modern, streamlined design aimed at improving accessibility. A dedicated onboarding screen guides users through the app’s features, making it easier for new users to navigate. For those with visual impairments, the app now supports large text and voiceover options, ensuring that vital emergency information is accessible to a wider range of people.
The expanded app’s development is the result of extensive consultation with the public, government agencies, and non-government organisations. Feedback collected from a YourSAy survey, as well as input from key stakeholders, has shaped the app’s new capabilities. This collaborative effort underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring that emergency alerts are as effective and inclusive as possible.
Since its launch in 2019, Alert SA has been a critical tool for keeping the public informed about bushfires, sending over 140 million notifications related to more than 17,000 bushfire incidents. With the new multi-hazard features, the app will be able to provide even more life-saving information to the community, covering a wider array of incidents, including severe weather, floods, and hazardous material spills.
The South Australian Government has taken proactive steps to raise awareness of the expanded app and encourage downloads ahead of the busy summer season. A promotional campaign will run across online, print, radio, and social media platforms, urging South Australians to “Get A Heads Up From Danger.” This message is aimed at highlighting the importance of being prepared and staying informed, particularly as unpredictable weather patterns and other hazards continue to pose risks.
According to Dan Cregan, South Australia’s Minister for Emergency Services, the update to the app is an essential tool for keeping the community safe. “Turning this app into a multi-hazard platform will give South Australians critical information during different emergencies to help them stay safe,” he said. Cregan added that the expanded capabilities and improved accessibility ensure that the community will be better informed alongside other emergency channels, providing an additional layer of security for individuals and families.
SAFECOM Chief Executive Julia Waddington-Powell also praised the enhancements. “We are pleased to launch the enhanced Alert SA mobile app. These improvements will empower the South Australian community with timely information during emergencies, covering a wider range of hazards. This will enable people to make informed decisions to stay safe,” she said. Waddington-Powell highlighted the close collaboration with the South Australian Country Fire Service, the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, and the State Emergency Service in developing the app, ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of the community.
For the CFS, the app’s expanded features are an important tool for delivering critical updates about bushfires and other hazards. Deputy Chief Officer Georgie Cornish stressed the need for South Australians to use multiple sources of information during emergencies. “It is essential people don’t rely on just one source of information during an emergency, and the Alert SA app offers an important additional way for you to receive timely updates,” she said. Cornish encouraged all South Australians to download the app and set up Watch Zones to ensure they receive immediate notifications about incidents that could affect them.
The inclusion of SES warnings and incidents is another key addition to the app, as this is the first time the SES’s alerts will be available through Alert SA. SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie welcomed the new feature, stating, “SES welcomes the inclusion of our warnings and incidents on the enhanced Alert SA app.” Beattie noted that this integration would help SES to distribute critical information to the public, particularly during storm, flood, and heatwave events. However, he also reminded users not to rely on any single source of information during emergencies. “Continue to monitor other channels, including the SES social media and website, news broadcasts on TV and radio, and more,” he advised.
For South Australians, the Alert SA app has now become an essential part of the emergency preparedness toolkit. As the state heads into summer, it’s vital that everyone remains alert and informed about potential hazards. The app’s multi-hazard capabilities make it an indispensable tool for keeping the community safe during a range of emergencies, whether it’s a bushfire, a flood, or a severe heatwave. The expanded app provides a one-stop-shop for all the information South Australians need to stay safe, no matter the emergency.
The Alert SA app is available for download from both the Apple App Store and Google Play, and with the summer season just around the corner, now is the time for South Australians to make sure they have the latest version installed. By staying informed and setting up Watch Zones, users will be equipped with the information they need to respond quickly and effectively in the face of an emergency.
As South Australia continues to face a range of natural hazards, the enhanced Alert SA app is a timely reminder of the importance of being prepared. By providing users with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions, the app is helping to build a safer, more resilient community.
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