Community Information and Warning Messages
Courtesy of the Government of South Australia and the CFS Country Fire Service
www.cfs.sa.gov.au
The Police and Emergency Services are committed to providing timely and accurate information to the community during emergencies. To achieve this, a
Bushfire Information and
Bushfire Warning system has been developed to alert the community during a bushfire. The system is based on two forms of message which are broadcast by multiple methods of communication.
Bushfire Information Messages will be issued when there is a potential threat to public safety in the immediate area of a bushfire.
Bushfire Warning Messages will be issued when a bushfire burning out of control under very high to extreme weather conditions requires an immediate response from the public to ensure their safety and survival. Bushfire Warning messages will be preceded by a distinctive siren-like sound called the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS). Bushfire Information and Bushfire Warning messages will be issued via multiple media communication channels including local ABC AM and fiveAA radio stations.
Bushfire Information and
Bushfire Warning Messages are likely to include the following information:
- The location of the bushfire;
- Where it is expected to move next;
- The risks faced by people in the area;
- What the public is advised to do about those risks;
- What the CFS is doing about the situation.
When a Bushfire Warning message is issued residents will be advised to shelter in their homes and stay off the roads until the danger has passed. For a rapidly moving bushfire, a Bushfire Warning message may be the only information or warning issued.
While the Police and Emergency Services will provide as much information as possible during a bushfire, it must be remembered that all people have a responsibility to ensure they are adequately prepared for bushfires and know what to do.
"A Bushfire Warning means - that a bushfire is approaching an area. You are advised that it may be dangerous to leave your home now. You should be prepared to shelter in your home until the danger has passed."
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