The radio van has been set up to broadcast with the support of a generator and not only broadcast on 100.5 FM, but simultaneously live stream on social media.
“We try to cover every scenario possible, should we get hit by bushfires on the island”, says station manager Wade Roskam.
“What happens when we lose power? This is something that often occurs during bushfires. What if the internet goes down? The way we are set up now, we hope to cover most of the possible scenarios of failure”, Roskam said.
Community radio has a role during an emergency situation. Authorities like councils, SES and police prefer to direct people to the ABC Emergency Radio and in case of bushfires to stay up to date through the Tasmanian Fire Service (TFS) website and the TasAlert mobile app.
Bushfires in recent years in Victoria and NSW, have shown that community radio played a vital and critical role in providing accurate and up-to-date information to its listeners.
“As a community radio station with local knowledge, we will do more than report on fires”, says Roskam.
“A lot of broadcast information will be about evacuation, logistic support and localised events and conditions.
“It is unlikely that the ABC will broadcast a message that Mrs B is missing her dog and ask people to keep a lookout for it, or put callouts for other immediate local needs and important instant information,” he said.
Roskam recently met representatives from the King Island Council.
“We do have a Municipal Emergency Management Plan, which is good of course, but there are questions around practicality and implementation,” he said.
“I have asked a number of questions such as:
• Where is there a page on the council website that explains emergency plans?
• Where are the safe houses, and refuge places for those who have to evacuate during bushfires?
• Are there dedicated safe areas where evacuated people can gather in the different townships on the island and how are these to be serviced?
• Is there a logistics plan in place to provide evacuated people with supplies?
• Is there a plan in place with the Opshops, to ensure that those who have lost everything can get some essentials, like clothing?”
Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Felix Ellis said the message that the fire season is expected to start early should not be ignored.
“We’ve seen devastating bushfires in the Northern Hemisphere recently and while our fire and land management agencies are playing their part it is also the time for all Tasmanians to start preparing for bushfires in their regions,” he said.
“Tasmania is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world and preparing for bushfires is everyone’s responsibility.
“After three years of mild bushfire seasons in Tasmania, the Bureau of Meteorology is advising that an El Nino is now increasingly likely.
“An El Nino would bring drier conditions with the potential for more fire weather.”
While it is hoped that the summer season will pass without incident, King Island Radio is bushfire and disaster-ready, and it is time that residents have their bushfire-ready plans in place and importantly be prepared to use if necessary.
Picture: Jonathan Velasquez