Emergency Warnings
Warnings are issued by emergency services agencies when a hazard is active or predicted. The advice will come in one of three levels – Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warning. Knowing what the warnings mean before an emergency can help you make faster, safer decisions.
Get to know the Australian Warning System and plan what you will do at each level
How can I easily stay informed?
Download the Hazards Near Me app to receive emergency warnings and advice for bushfires, floods, tsunamis, and severe weather. By setting up a Watch Zone you can receive notifications when a hazard is in your area.
Factsheet Hazards Near Me(PDF, 5MB)
The Bureau of Meteorology provides warnings for severe weather events. The Bureau’s responsibilities include forecasting, monitoring weather patterns, issuing alerts for natural hazards, and supporting emergency management efforts to help prepare communities for and respond to extreme weather events.
Download the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) app to be kept informed of warnings.
Factsheet BOM(PDF, 6MB)
Australian Warning System
The Australian Warning System is used nationally, so you can recognise the same three levels no matter where you are.
Warning levels apply to emergencies like bushfires, floods, storms, extreme heat and severe weather.
Australian Fire Danger Rating System
The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) gives you an idea of how dangerous a fire could be if one starts in your area.
The AFDRS is the same wherever you are in Australia, and it can help you understand how dangerous the weather conditions are, the level of threat to your safety and what you need to do to stay safe.
Check the fire danger rating for your area.
Download the below factsheet as a helpful reminder about the fire danger ratings and what you need to do to stay safe in your home or community.
Fire Danger Rating System Factsheet(PDF, 1MB)
Emergency Alert
Emergency Alert is a national system used by police, fire, and emergency services to warn communities about likely or actual emergencies. It sends voice messages to landline telephones and text messages to mobile phones within a specific area identified by the issuing emergency service.
While Emergency Alert is a critical tool, it is not used in all situations. The decision to issue telephone warnings depends on the nature of the incident. Emergencies such as fires, floods, or extreme weather events are examples where Emergency Alert may be employed.
During an emergency, it’s essential to rely on multiple information sources, such as radio, television, and state or territory emergency services websites, and monitor them continuously to stay updated on local conditions.
The warning messages, sent by authorised personnel from services like Police, Fire, or SES, include details about the emergency, recommended actions, and where to find more information.
If you receive a message or call from +61 444 444 444, it is an official Emergency Alert communication.