PO Box 455 Bendigo 3550
info@thebushfirefoundation.org
Approved Training Partner of
The Bushfire Foundation Inc Queesnland Operations is proudly supported by
Approved Training Partner of
The Bushfire Foundation Inc Queesnland Operations is proudly supported by
WARNINGS AND ADVICE
Understanding Warnings
You should never wait to receive an official warning before you leave. Fires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes. Warnings are issued when a fire has started and you need to take action. Make sure you understand the three levels of warnings and what they mean.
Don’t expect warnings to be issued in any particular order. The first warning you could get could be an Emergency Warning.
There are three different levels of warnings:
An emergency is developing nearby. You need to take action now to protect yourself and others.
You are in imminent danger and need to take action immediately. You will be impacted.
Additional messages that may be issued are:
Specific information and updates for affected communities regarding a particular event or incident.
An evacuation is recommended or procedures are in place to evacuate.
How the community are warned
(Click on the top left corner of the youtube video playlist to view other warning and advice videos)
Keep an eye on conditions outside. You might be aware of a fire before the emergency services. If you see flames or a column of smoke, always call 000 immediately.
Alerts and Sirens
Telephone Alerts
A Telephone Alert is one way emergency services can alert the community to official warning information using the National Emergency Alert system.
Incident Controllers can authorise the use of Telephone Alerts to inform the community of any likely or actual emergency within a defined area. When you receive a Telephone Alert you must follow all instructions given, and stay informed by checking official warning sources.
Alerts can be received via:
Alerts will begin with “Emergency, Emergency” and will only be received if your landline (based on its billing address) and mobile phone (based on its billing address and the handsets last known location) is within the defined area and has service.
Telephone Alerts are not used in all circumstances, and depends on the nature of the incident. You should not wait to receive a Telephone Alert before you act.
Community Alert Sirens – Community alert sirens are used as part of Victoria’s warning system for all hazards – including flood, fire and storm.
Standard Emergency Warning Signal – (SEWS) A distinctive siren sound may be played over the radio or TV before an alert message is broadcast
SEWS Community Service Announcement (Includes introduction):
Download WAV – 722kb | Download MP3 – 1mb
Download MP3 – 782kb
Other Resources
Community Alert Sirens (EMV)
Evacuation
Community Fire Refuges
Neighborhood Safer Places
Community Information Guides
Emergency Alert System
Road closures – see VicRoads
VicEmergency
Emergency Broadcasters