Warnings and information
Warnings and information
During an emergency, information can change quickly. Staying informed helps you make decisions about your safety and know what actions to take.
VicEmergency
VicEmergency is Victoria's official source for emergency warnings and information.
Download the VicEmergency app (click here for Apple/iOS devices, or click here for Android devices) to receive information about incidents, warnings and conditions in your area.
You can also:
During an emergency, don't rely on a single source of information. Check VicEmergency regularly and follow advice from emergency services.
Official Emergency Broadcasters in Victoria
Radio
ABC Local Radio is the emergency broadcaster for Hepburn Shire.
Radio can be an important source of information during an emergency, particularly if there is a power or internet outage.
Keep a battery-powered radio available in case you lose power or mobile and internet services are unavailable.
If you cannot receive a signal on one frequency, try frequency - 774 AM, 592 AM, 91.1 FM, 107.9 FM, 96.5 FM or 106.3 FM.
ABC have put together some handy tips about how to access to ABC in an emergency, and how to plan for internet and phone outages.
Television
Sky News is the official television emergency broadcaster in Victoria.
During significant emergencies, Sky News may broadcast emergency warnings, updates and other important information provided by Victorian emergency services. Emergency information may interrupt normal programming where required.
Sky News can provide an additional source of information during an emergency, particularly when television is available.
Weather Information
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) provides official weather forecasts, warnings, observations and severe weather information.
Australian Warning System
The Australian Warning System (AWS) provides a consistent way of communicating information about emergencies across Australia. It uses three warning levels, with consistent colours, icons and actions to help you quickly understand the level of threat and what you should do.
The system is used for emergencies including bushfire, flood, storm, cyclone, extreme heat and severe weather.
The three warning levels are:
Advice - Yellow
An incident is occurring or has occurred in the area. There is no immediate danger, but you should stay informed, access information and monitor conditions in case the situation changes.
Watch and Act - Orange
An emergency is developing nearby and conditions are changing. You need to take action now to protect yourself, your family and others. This may include preparing to leave, moving to a safer location or taking shelter, depending on the emergency and advice provided.
Emergency Warning - Red
This is the highest level of warning. You are in imminent danger and need to take action immediately. Follow the advice provided by emergency services and do not delay.
Warnings can be issued at any level
Warning levels are not always issued in order. An emergency can start at any warning level depending on the severity of the situation, conditions and the likelihood of the emergency impacting the community. Do not wait for a warning to escalate before taking action. Warnings will include information about what is happening and, importantly, what you should do. Always read the full warning and follow the recommended action.
Remember: an “Evacuate Now” warning is your opportunity to leave. If you receive an “Evacuate Now” warning, act immediately and leave while it is still safe to do so. Conditions can change quickly. The next warning may advise that it is “Too Late to Leave”, meaning conditions have deteriorated and it is no longer safe to travel. In this situation, you should take shelter immediately and follow the instructions provided in the warning.
If you receive a “Too Late to Leave” or “Take Shelter Now” warning, read the entire message carefully. It will provide advice about the safest available shelter options and what to do if conditions deteriorate further, including what to do if the building you are sheltering in catches fire.
Do not wait for another warning. Act on the advice in the warning you receive.