- State Government announces new-look Emergency WA website
- Series of upgrades to deliver a world-class warnings system in WA
- Nationally consistent warnings to appear on Emergency WA from 15 July
The Cook Government is investing nearly $16 million into providing a world-class emergency warnings system to protect Western Australian communities.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) today unveiled a new Emergency WA website, the first stage of its upgraded Emergency WA warnings system.
Managed by DFES, the Emergency WA website has been providing accurate and timely emergency information since 2016, helping people impacted by emergencies to make informed decisions on how to keep safe.
The upgrade includes new map features and a streamlined interface to help people find key information about current incidents, warnings, Total Fire Bans and Fire Danger Ratings.
This is the first upgrade in a series of enhancements to deliver faster, more targeted warnings including the launch of a new app later this year. Future features will include the ability to set personalised watch zones and integrate with in-home and wearable smart devices, as well as translated warnings.
The new Emergency WA paves the way for WA’s adoption of the new Australian Warning System (AWS) being launched on Monday 15 July. The new system will introduce nationally consistent colours and icons for cyclone, flood and storm warnings.
The AWS warnings will feature action statements, providing people with clear advice on what to do when issued with an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning.
As part of the AWS, communities in WA’s North West will no longer see the Blue, Yellow or Red cyclone warnings that have been in place for more than three decades.
To ensure communities are prepared, DFES has been engaging with key stakeholders including local governments, industry and service providers about the changes and what they mean. For any more information please visit the website on: https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Keeping Western Australians safe through innovative and accessible technology is a priority for the Cook Government and we continue with the launch of the first stage revamp of Emergency WA.
“The new website is faster, more responsive and paves the way for the implementation of the Australian Warning System in July.
“The AWS will deliver a consistent and easy to understand warning system that will help communities stay safe during an emergency, no matter where they are in Australia.”
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Melissa Pexton:
“Fast and targeted public information is critical to our ability to keep people safe during emergencies, including warnings about unfolding incidents and advice about what to do.
“Today’s launch of the new Emergency WA website and implementation of the Australian Warning System in July are key milestones in DFES’ commitment to leading innovation in emergency public information.
“Western Australians are already familiar with the colours and warnings associated with bushfires, now we’re asking the community to understand how this system applies to other hazards and to know their triggers to act.”
