a_bushfire_fighter_using_a_radio_7037ca0c-0a48-4ab0-8fd8-f937c89bd426 1920 x 900px

Bushfire Emergency
Communication

Fire-Ed Up Scenario 9:

Welcome to the Bushfire Emergency Communication supplementary page for the stage 5 iSTEM, Fire-Ed Up Unit of Work. This is a resource site setup to support teachers to implement the Fire-Ed Up Program.

Fire-Ed Up is funded by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer, developed from Central Coast Council’s Award Winning program and produced by the Hunter Innovation and Science Hub.

Unit Background –
Australian Fire Danger Rating System

In 2022 Australia introduced a new fire danger rating system providing clearer and more accurate information to communities at risk of bush fire. The Australian Fire Danger Rating System brings together the latest science and knowledge of fire behaviour, is supported by extensive community research, and is the most significant change to the fire danger rating system in more than 50 years.

The previous fire danger rating system was found to be approximately 40% accurate whilst the new reporting system is now more than 60%, but there is room for improvement.

Scenario 9

Bushfire Emergency Communication: Design a reliable, accessible communication system for use during bushfires, including alert systems, communication channels with emergency services, or real-time public information dissemination methods.

Improve communication for bushfire emergencies

From satellite communications to dedicated channels, clear communication is critical for ensuring public safety and efficient coordination of emergency response efforts.

Alert systems must be robust and wide-reaching, with multiple redundancies in place. Real-time information must reach decision-makers and combine with appropriate technologies to reach those on the fireground.

Your Mission

Create solutions that harness modern technologies to improve communication during a bushfire.

Consider:

Public warning systems
Are text messages, websites and radio broadcasts enough? What else can be done?
Resilience
Can communication channels be strengthened to infrastructure damage and inclement weather?
Satellite imagery
Map out fire-prone areas and predict the best times for controlled burns.
Inclusivity
Can everyone understand the messages that are being broadcast? How can you improve this?
Collaboration
How can technology companies, telecommunication experts, and emergency services work together better?

What can you do in your class to find better solutions?

Downloadable Resources

Technology Mandatory – Student Resource Folio

Download the Fire-Ed Up Technology Mandatory student resource folio.

Download Brief Document >>>

NSW RFS Firefighters Pocket Book

The NSW Rural Fire Service Firefighters Pocket Book Dec 2010 edition.

Download PDF >>>

Australian Fire Danger Rating System

Australian fire danger rating system – Fire Behaviour Index Technical Guide V2.1 Oct 2023.

Download PDF >>>

Public Information and Warnings – AIDR

The Australian Disaster Resilience Handbook Collection provides guidance on national principles and practices for disaster resilience.

Download PDF >>>

Video Based Resources

The following are a mixture of Fire-ED Up original video resources and others that you might find useful.

The evolution of communications and warnings in emergency preparedness, response and recovery

Communication and warnings are now seen as a priority in any emergency, but this hasn’t always been the case (9:48 minutes).

Is Australia’s communication network robust enough to deal with bushfires?

In 2020 more than 100 telecommunication towers were out of action at the height of the bushfires, and it’s left experts asking if Australia’s networks are robust enough to deal with bushfires. (2:31 minutes)