New technology that will alert Queenslanders to nearby emergencies based on their location is now in service.
Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey said “Emergency Alert”, the national telephone emergency warning system designed to send emergency messages directly to mobile phones and landlines, had launched its first phase of Location-Based Solution software.
“Previously, the messages were only able to be sent to people based on their billing address,” Mr Dempsey said.
“This meant people travelling or touring within an area under threat would not receive text messages to their phone if their billing address wasn’t in the same area.
“Now people with Telstra handsets will receive alerts to their mobiles phones if they are in the alert area. Optus and Vodafone networks will roll out this service from October 2013.”
Mr Dempsey reminded Queenslanders that Emergency Alert was just one of the ways they could be informed of an emergency situation.
“Residents should still make sure they are well-prepared for any disaster situation by preparing their emergency plan and kit and tuning into warnings, via their local radio, to keep updated when an incident occurs,” he said.
Department of Community Safety Director-General Kelvin Anderson said the launch of the new software was extremely timely as emergency authorities prepared for storm and cyclone season.
“Just last weekend, when parts of south-east and western Queensland were impacted by severe storms, Emergency Management Queensland issued the first Emergency Alert for the season,” Mr Anderson said.
“Queensland is home to many top tourist destinations, especially island communities, which makes this Location Based Software extremely useful when having to alert communities where the majority of the population are from out of town.”
Mr Anderson reminded people the Emergency Alert system was not to be confused with opt-in early warning systems provided by commercial entities across the State.
“You do not have to register for Emergency Alert and you cannot opt-out. However if residents are concerned they live in a communication black-spot or that their address is not up to date, they should contact their service provider,” he said.
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