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 different levels of warnings:
ADVICE
An incident is occurring or has occurred in the area. Access information and monitor conditions.
Can also be used as a notification that activity in the area has subsided and is no longer a danger to you.
WATCH AND ACT
An emergency is developing nearby. You need to take action now to protect yourself and others.
EMERGENCY WARNING
You are in imminent danger and need to take action immediately. You will be impacted.
PREPARE TO EVACUATE/EVACUATE NOW
An evacuation is recommended or procedures are in place to evacuate.
Additional messages that may be issued are:
COMMUNITY UPDATES:
Specific information and updates for affected communities regarding a particular event or incident.
How the Community is Warned:
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.
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 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.
An evacuation is recommended or procedures are in place to evacuate.
Additional messages that may be issued are:
Specific information and updates for affected communities regarding a particular event or incident.
How the Community is Warned:
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.
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
Information on this page has been sourced form the Vic Emergency and Country Fire Authority Website s any other questions should be referred to them