Know Your
Warnings
Australia uses the same three warning levels for fire, flood, storm, cyclone and extreme heat. Learn them once and you will know what to do wherever you are.
Don't wait for a warning before you act. Warnings can skip levels, and in a fast-moving emergency you may not get one at all. If life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
Three Levels, Three Colours
The same yellow, orange and red triangles in every state and territory.
Advice
An incident has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.
Watch and Act
There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect yourself and your family.
Emergency Warning
The highest level. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay puts your life at risk.
Every warning comes with an action, such as “prepare to leave”, “leave now” or “seek shelter now”. Do what the action says.
Four Ratings, Four Actions
A rating is a forecast of how dangerous a fire would be if one started. It is not a warning that there is a fire.
Plan and Prepare
Most fires can be controlled. Stay up to date and be ready to act.
Be Ready to Act
Fires can be dangerous. Decide what you will do if one starts.
Take Action Now
Act now to protect life and property. Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous.
Leave Bushfire Risk Areas
For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas. These are the most dangerous conditions for a fire.
The Other Scales You'll Hear
The Bureau of Meteorology uses these alongside the three warning levels.
Minor, Moderate, Major
- Minor: low-lying areas near waterways flood and minor roads may close
- Moderate: main roads may be cut and some homes may need to evacuate
- Major: large areas flood, towns can be cut off and many homes are affected
Category 1 to 5
- The category describes wind strength. 5 is the strongest
- Category 3 and above are severe tropical cyclones
- Flooding and storm surge can be deadly at any category
What's the Difference?
- A watch means it could happen. Get ready
- A warning means it is happening or about to. Act
Have More Than One Source
Your state emergency app, a battery radio and your own eyes. Emergency Alert text and voice messages may be sent to phones in an affected area, but never rely on getting one.
Know What You'll Do at Each Level
Write your triggers into your household plan, so nobody has to decide under pressure.
More From the Survival Hub
This guide provides general preparedness information only. Warning systems are run by state and territory emergency services and the Bureau of Meteorology, and details can vary by state. Always follow official warnings and directions. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).