New SAS release includes availability uplift
Release 11 of the Supplementary Alerting Service (SAS) app is out now, delivering an overhaul and uplift to one of the most requested features from our members – the ability to manage availability.
This long-awaited enhancement makes it easier, faster and more flexible for members to set and manage their availability to respond to incidents, directly within the app or via desktop.
Beyond giving members more control and flexibility, this release improves visibility for brigade, district and regional SAS administrators, which is especially important to manage capability during busy periods or major incidents.
This release marks the first stage of availability enhancements to the app and is a major release for the agencies using SAS, including CFA.
My availability - For all members
- Set and manage their availability to respond to callouts
- Add or edit individual availability with paint/swipe option
- Use recurring settings or personal templates to replicate availability across time periods
Administrator view - Member availability for SAS admins
- View member availability within their brigade and assigned paging group(s)
- Filter by availability and qualifications and set qualification thresholds
- Plan and manage capability during peak periods
The release is available for download now from the Apple and Android stores. The SAS User Guide has been updated to support members in using the new functionality.
NOTE: Some members have experienced an error where the Availability tab is not showing when they open the new version of SAS. If you are unable to access the Availability functionality after updating to Release 11:
- Log out and log back in from the SAS app
- Clear SAS app data, clear SAS app cache, uninstall and reinstall the SAS app
- Clear your app store (Apple or Android specific) app cache and data
As with each SAS update, check your push notification settings and alert tones as they may have also reset to the default.
CFA’s ACFO Operational Communications Jason Lawrence said Release 11 of SAS built on other major releases including the Station Turnout System delivered in Release 8.
“Availability management has been a top priority, and we’re proud to deliver a feature that will make a real difference especially in terms of managing our capability,” Jason said.
“Thanks to everyone who provided feedback and helped shape this release. Your input continues to drive meaningful improvements.
“I want to especially thank the members of the SAS Working Group for their hard work in guiding the development of the app including volunteering hundreds of hours of testing time to provide feedback to developers.
“The next phase of upgrades and enhancements to SAS are underway and we look forward to delivering further improvements in our next release to further support our members’ vital work.”
For more information on the SAS including the updated SAS User Guide, training videos, FAQs and more visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/sas
About the Supplementary Alerting Service (SAS)
The Supplementary Alerting Service (SAS) complements the existing EAS paging system, providing CFA members with enhanced functionality and communication during incident response.
The free SAS app allows members to:
- Confirm their response to events
- Communicate via in-app chat
- See the core qualifications and competencies of responding members
Tens of thousands of CFA members actively use SAS.
You can find the app by searching “Supplementary Alerting Service” in the Apple App Store or Google Play. A desktop version is also available here.
SAS updates are released regularly and prioritised based on feedback from CFA members.
Please note: EAS pagers remain the officially endorsed primary alerting method due to their reliability and wide coverage across Victoria. SAS is intended as a supplementary tool and should be used alongside the EAS pagers. All CFA members are expected to continue carrying and using their pagers to ensure that they receive alerts to fire calls and other important messages.