FAQ

This page includes the questions we are most often asked, by you, the community.
We are committed to bringing you the best possible information and helping you understand emergencies better.
So if there is something you want to know, then let us know, or contact your local emergency services.

EMERGENCY WA FEATURES

What's new?
Power outage alerts now on Emergency WA.

When a power outage occurs that affects a significant number of people, Western Power will issue a power outage alert on Emergency WA.

Widespread outages can be found under the Outages and Facility Closures section on Emergency WA. Planned and localised outages can still be found on the Western Power outages map.

What information is available on this site?
Emergency WA provides:
  • A live feed of incidents reported to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) which means when a fire or other incident is reported, basic information about the type and location of the hazard will be published. This allows you to find out about a fire or incident as soon as authorities do.
  • Warnings from multiple emergency management agencies. When an incident escalates, a warning may be issued to provide more details and specific safety advice to the community. Warnings can be issued by DFES, DBCA's Parks and Wildlife Service or other emergency management agencies.
  • Total Fire Bans and Fire Danger Ratings. Check the Fire Danger Rating and Total Fire Bans for your area by selecting the appropriate layer from the Filter menu, or by clicking the following links: www.emergency.wa.gov.au/#totalfirebans
    www.emergency.wa.gov.au/#firedangerratings
  • The ability to choose the information you want to see. By clicking on the Filter menu, you can switch on and off different types of information, such as incidents, Total Fire Bans and Fire Danger Ratings.
  • An interactive, map based layout. Research shows that map based information is quicker and easier for most people to understand. However, if you prefer to see the information in text form only, you can do so by visiting: www.emergency.wa.gov.au/textonly.html
  • Incident Areas indicate where a fire or other incident has been active. You'll see Incident Areas displayed as black hatched shapes on the map and they will always be accompanied by a warning area.
What kind of weather information can I find on Emergency WA?
Emergency WA displays weather information direct from the Bureau of Meteorology including wind direction and speed, rain radar, and cyclone track maps. To turn on weather layers, use the Filter menu.

UNDERSTANDING EMERGENCY WA

Where does the information on the website come from?
The information on this site is sourced from a number of agencies, including from the State and Federal Governments. This includes details of incidents reported by members of the public to authorities, and alerts and warnings from emergency agencies. List of agencies involved in Emergency WA.
What is an Incident?
Emergency WA provides a live feed of active incidents in addition to the alerts and warnings you may be familiar with. This feature provides more information to the public than ever before and means you can find out about an incident as soon as we do.

When an incident is reported to DFES, Emergency WA publishes basic information including the type and location of the incident. You may notice the response type listed in the incident pop-up box which shows how the indent is being responded to. These responses include:

  • Dispatched
    Resources have been notified to attend the incident.
  • Responding
    Resources are mobile and travelling to the incident.
  • On-Scene
    Resources are at the incident.
  • Monitoring
    Resources are monitoring the incident (this can be performed remotely in regional areas).
If the incident escalates to the level that lives and homes are potentially threatened, a community warning may be issued with more detailed safety information. Warnings will either be attached to the Incident, or appear nearby on the map and in the list view.

Remember emergencies can happen quickly and there may not always be time to issue a warning before life and property is under threat. It's important to put your plan into action at the first sign of danger. Do not wait and see.
What is a Prescribed Burn?
The Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions manage most Prescribed Burns in WA.

Prescribed Burns may be conducted to lower flammable fuel loads to reduce the risk, size and severity of bushfire or for nature conservation.

Active Prescribed Burns will be published on the Emergency WA website. If smoke affects you:
  • It is recommended you shut doors and windows, and turn off air-conditioners.
  • People with asthma and pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses should follow their pre-prepared treatment plan.
  • People with conditions exacerbated by smoke should take precautions in line with their medical advice.
More information on Prescribed Burns can be found on the DBCA Parks and Wildlife Service website visit: www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/fire/prescribed-burning/burns.
What is a Burn off?
Burn offs can be conducted by Local Governments, State Government agencies, or members of the public.

When the manager of the Burn off reports it to DFES, in line with their permit requirements, it will be published on Emergency WA.

If smoke affects you:
  • It is recommended you shut doors and windows, and turn off air-conditioners.
  • People with asthma and pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses should follow their pre-prepared treatment plan.
  • People with conditions exacerbated by smoke should take precautions in line with their medical advice.
What is a Total Fire Ban?
Total Fire Bans are declared because of extreme weather conditions or when widespread fires are seriously stretching firefighting resources.

When a Total Fire Ban is declared it prohibits the lighting of any fires in the open air and any other activities that may start a fire.

For more information about Total Fire Bans, including what you can and can't do when one is declared, visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans

For current Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/#totalfirebans
What are Fire Danger Ratings?
Fire Danger Ratings (FDRs) describe the potential level of danger should a bushfire start, based on factors like the weather and the types of vegetation in an area. They are issued daily and provide important information so you can take action to protect yourself and others from the potentially dangerous impacts of a bushfire. The higher the FDR, the more severe a bushfire is expected to be.

For more information about Fire Danger Ratings visit dfes.wa.gov.au/site/bushfire/prepare.html#fire-danger-ratings

For current Fire Danger Ratings visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/#firedangerratings
How can I find Total Fire Bans?
You can find Total Fire Bans by clicking on the Filter button on Emergency WA and switching on the relevant map.

You can also:
How can I find Fire Danger Ratings?
Click on the Australian Fire Danger Rating System icon on Emergency WA to see a map of all Western Australian fire weather districts, their associated Fire Danger Ratings and information about what action to take to stay safe.

When Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger ratings are forecast, a notice will appear within the Warnings section on the home page to raise awareness of heightened fire danger.

You can also follow these links to access the ratings for today:
www.emergency.wa.gov.au/#firedangerratings

To access an RSS feed for Fire Danger Ratings, visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/#about and select the link under the RSS and CAP AU feeds menu item.
What is the Australian Warning System?
The Australian Warning System (AWS) is a nationally consistent approach to warnings for natural hazards including bushfire, flood, storm, cyclone, severe weather and extreme heat. The AWS is being implemented in Western Australia in a phased approach, starting with changes to bushfire warnings. Watch this video to find out what changes have already been made for bushfire, and what to expect as DFES continues to achieve national consistency.
What is a heatwave?
A heatwave occurs when the maximum and the minimum temperatures are unusually hot over a three-day period at a particular location.
I am in a heatwave warning area, what do I do?
Heatwave warnings include the locations that are affected, the actions you should take to keep safe and other details to help you stay informed during extended periods of high temperatures.

The three warning levels are:

Advice:
A severe heatwave is forecast in the coming days. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

Watch and Act:
A severe heatwave is occurring. There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to take action now to protect yourself and your family.

Emergency Warning:
An extreme heatwave is occurring. Heatwave impacts are increasing. You need to take action immediately to protect yourself and your family.
I am in the power outage alert area, what should I do?
Power Outage alerts will include details about the locations affected, actions you should take to stay safe and other details to keep you informed during an extended outage.

Further information can be found by visiting Western Power.

How can I prepare for a heatwave?
For more information on heatwaves and how you can plan ahead for the heat visit Healthy WA.
How do I sign up for bushfire warnings through the ServiceWA app?
Follow the instructions in the ServiceWA app to accept permissions and allow ServiceWA to use your location. Visit wa.gov.au for more information.
  • By enabling this service, you will receive a push notification if a bushfire warning has been issued in your location.
  • The notification will take you Emergency WA for detailed information about the bushfire to help you stay safe.
  • Remember: Never wait for a warning to act. Bushfires are unpredictable so be aware of your surroundings and act early to stay safe.
  • If you don't have a bushfire plan, make one today by visiting My Bushfire Plan.
Why am I not getting storm or other hazard notifications on ServiceWA?
ServiceWA provides push notifications for bushfire warnings only. Stay up to date with warnings across all hazards by visiting Emergency WA.
Who can I contact for ServiceWA app support?
Contact the ServiceWA app support team on 13 33 92 (13 33 WA) or email support@digital.wa.gov.au.

DURING AN EMERGENCY

Who is in charge of emergencies in WA?
Preparing for and responding to emergencies is a shared responsibility between the Government, community and individuals. Getting prepared for emergencies is one of the best ways that you can get involved.

The agency with oversight of an emergency from a State Government perspective is called the Hazard Management Agency. Many other government agencies may be involved to help provide their specialist expertise.

For more information about the management of emergencies refer to the State Emergency Management Committee at https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/state-emergency-management-committee
Why didn't someone let me know there was an emergency near me?
Emergencies can strike at any moment, and there may not always be enough time to issue a warning before life or property is under threat.

It is important to seek information from a variety of sources and be prepared to take action to keep yourself safe. If in any doubt, take action straight away.

For more ways to find emergency information visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/#getinformed
What should I do when an emergency strikes?
You need to act immediately to give yourself, your family and property the best chance of survival.

Put your own survival plan into action, and follow the directions of emergency services. Keep yourself up to date with the latest information by visiting Emergency WA, phoning 13 DFES (13 33 37) listening to ABC or 6PR radio or following DFES on Facebook.

Stay aware of your surroundings and keep in touch with neighbours, family and friends.

For more information about making a survival plan and preparing for emergencies visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare
Who will protect me during an emergency?
It is your responsibility to take action during an emergency. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow advice from emergency services.

If your area is prone to natural hazards, or you are travelling through high-risk areas you need to be prepared and be ready to act.

To ensure you are prepared for an emergency visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare
What should I do with my pets?
It is your responsibility to prepare for the safety and welfare of your pets and farm animals during an emergency. It is a good idea to have a pet emergency kit and survival plan for your animals to help guide your actions during an emergency.

Check with your local shire if there are animal welfare arrangements in place.

It is important to note that most evacuation centres are not able to accept animals. You may need to make alternative arrangements with family and friends who live away from the area.

For more information visit the DFES Animals and Emergencies page.
Does Emergency WA have an app?
DFES does not currently have its own smartphone app.

Official emergency information is available through the following channels:
  • Emergency WA website
  • Local ABC radio; or 6PR (in the metropolitan area)
  • 13 DFES (13 33 37)
  • DFES Facebook
You can sign up to receive bushfire warning notifications for your location through the ServiceWA app. Download the ServiceWA app and follow the prompts. Visit wa.gov.au for more information. If you haven't already done so, create a Bushfire Plan today.
Can I sign up to receive a warning?
In an emergency you may receive an Emergency Alert telephone warning voice message to your landline or text message to your mobile phone if you are in a defined area under immediate threat. You cannot sign up to receive an Emergency Alert but you should ensure your address and personal details are up to date with your telecommunications provider. It's important not to rely on receiving a telephone warning or using it as your evacuation trigger because there may not always be time to issue one. Find out more about Emergency Alert.

If you haven't already done so, create a Bushfire Plan today.
I am concerned about family members/friends who may be impacted by an emergency - who can I contact?
It's best to try to contact them directly, or indirectly using friends, neighbours, or colleagues. If you have serious concerns for someone's safety and welfare, call WA Police.

During major incidents the Red Cross may set up the Register.Find.Reunite hotline. Information about the hotline will be included in the relevant warnings on Emergency WA.
My home is in the affected area and I'm not there. How do I know if my property is okay? When can I return?
It is understandable that you may be anxious to find out what's happening.

The first priority of emergency responders is to protect life and property at the scene of the incident, so it's important to be patient and let them do their jobs.

They will be doing all they can to reduce the risk to your property and the people in the area.

During an emergency, even after the immediate threat has passed, there will be other hazards such as burnt or fallen trees, loose debris and damage to roads and infrastructure.

Residents will be allowed to return once the agencies in charge are confident the area is safe.

Ensure you sure you let your family and friends know you are safe in the meantime, as they may be looking for you.
How can I help during an emergency?
Generally, donations of food or goods are not necessary and cannot be stored or distributed during the emergency response.

During major emergencies the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund may be activated to coordinate financial donations. More information is available at www.appealswa.org.au

TROUBLESHOOTING

Which internet browser works best with Emergency WA?
Emergency WA works best on the latest versions of Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Microsoft Edge. For the best user experience, ensure you are using the latest version of one of these browsers.
The Emergency WA map is wrong?
The map on Emergency WA is provided by Google and is the same map available in Google Maps. If you notice a map error, please contact your Local Government Authority. They will assess the error and submit the change directly with Google. Local Governments are the authoritative source for location information.
I can see an incident but it isn't appearing on your website at all - what should I do?
First, make sure you are not in any immediate danger. Act for your own safety and move to a safer location if necessary.

Call 000 to report the incident to the relevant authority.
The information listed for an emergency is inaccurate - what should I do?
If the error is an incorrect place name, road closure information or other inaccuracy in the information provided, then please contact the agency that has issued the warning to let them know. The name of this agency will appear within the warning.

FEEDBACK

Got another question? Let us know.
You can email us at: emergencywa@dfes.wa.gov.au

Please note this inbox is monitored during business hours only and should not be used for emergency purposes. Due to the volume of enquiries received we can't respond to each one. However, your feedback is important to us and will help us to plan future improvements to this site.

To report a life threatening emergency, please call 000. For information about a current incident, please check the warnings page or call 13 DFES.