The newly launched Alert SA app is now operational, designed to keep users informed about various weather emergencies across South Australia, including fires, floods, severe storms, and hazardous materials incidents. Initially focused solely on bushfire alerts, this upgraded version is crucial as the state prepares for a potentially perilous fire season, highlighted by warnings from the Country Fire Service regarding increased dryness this summer.
Funded by $2 million in taxpayer money, the app’s enhancements ensure it can handle high traffic without crashing during critical situations, unlike its predecessor that faltered during the 2019 Cuddly Creek fire. With testing involving up to 500,000 users, the app is expected to perform reliably under pressure.
While this tool is intended to provide timely notifications, authorities caution against relying exclusively on it for updates. It is advised that users also access information through radio, social media, and online platforms. Emergency Services Minister Dan Cregan emphasised that they are utilising a completely different system to avert previous failures. The Alert SA app is set to be an essential resource for South Australians amid rising emergency threats.