Staying Informed - Information for residents and visitors.

There are websites and apps that can provide you with real-time information about storms, fires, floods and other emergency situations. Please remember though that it is your responsibility to stay informed before, during and after an emergency.

Reporting an Emergency

Triple Zero (000) is the number to call when:

  • Someone is seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help;
  • Your life or property is being threatened;
  • You have just witnessed a serious accident or crime.Triple Zero (000) calls are free.
  • The operator can connect you to Police, Ambulance or the Fire Brigade.
Staying Informed

We have outlined a few useful ways of staying informed in the sections below.

VicEmergency Website

VicEmergency has a real time map display with incidents across the State including floods, storms, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, beach closures, shark sightings and more.

Remember, always access more than one source of emergency information and warnings.

 

VicEmergency App

VicEmergency is the official Victorian Government app for emergency warnings and information. Download VicEmergency from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

You can set up a user profile and watch zones to ensure you receive official warnings and information for areas that interest you.

 

VicEmergency Hotline

Ring the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 to find out about:

  • What you can and can't do on a Total Fire Ban day or during the Fire Danger Period (fire restrictions)
  • Current Fire Danger Ratings and what the ratings mean
  • Current fuel reduction burns and other planned burns
  • Key bushfire preparation and planning information
  • Programs, publications and services available including community meetings
  • Emergency Relief Centre location details
  • Neighbourhood Safer Place location details
  • Recovery after a bushfire, including financial assistance essential water replacement and rehabilitation of assets and forest
  • Community Information Guides.

Opening Times

Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 6.00pm. Opening times are extended during significant bushfires.

Recorded information on specific topics can be accessed 24 hours a day.

You can also contact VicEmergency here

 

 

National Relay Service and Translation and Interpreting Services

National Relay Service

If you are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people who use a phone:

  • TTY – dial 106.
  • NRS Chat - go here and click the Emergency Services button.
  • SMS relay 0423 677 767 and ask for Triple Zero (000).
  • Video relay - Open Skype, contact NRS VIDEO RELAY SERVICE and ask for Triple Zero (000).
  • NRS Captions - go here and ask for Triple Zero (000).
  • Voice Relay - dial 1800 555 727 and ask for Triple Zero (000).

National Relay Service Registration

Registration is required to use the NRS. 

To find out about more about NRS user registration see the NRS website.

Translating and Interpreting Service

If you don't speak English call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 for translated information from VicEmergency Hotline.

If you know someone who can't speak English, please provide them with this number.

 

Local Radio

You can get Emergency Information by tuning into these local radio stations:

  • ABC Radio Portland 96.9 FM
  • ABC Radio Western Victoria 94.1 FM
  • 3YB Warrnambool 882 AM
  • Coast FM Warrnambool 95.3 FM
  • MIXX FM Portland 93.7 FM Hamilton 88.9 FM
  • 3HA Hamilton 981 AM Portland 92.9 FM

A full list of Emergency Broadcasters in Victoria can be found here

 

 

How to safely enjoy our beaches

The most important flags on the beach are the red and yellow flags. These show the supervised area of the beach and that a lifesaving service is operating.
 
If there are no red and yellow flags, the beach is unpatrolled and you should not go swimming.

Red and Yellow Beach Flags

Never swim alone, at night, under the influence of alcohol or directly after a meal. Always check water depth before diving in and never run and dive into the water from the beach.

Brought to you by Lifesaving Victoria, BeachSafe includes the location, facilities, weather, conditions and lifesaving services for all Australian beaches to help you find the right beach. BeachSafe also provides expert advice about flags and signs, waves, rip currents, marine creatures, surf skills and more.

This section includes a series of multilingual videos that give you Surf Life Saving Australia's top five tips for visiting an Australian Beach.

BeachSafe is also available as an App.

 

Sharks

Shark attacks in Victoria are uncommon, and there has been no fatality in this state for 30 years.

While the risk of shark attack is extremely low, it is important to be mindful of sharks when entering the water.

Visit Victorian Fisheries to learn more about sharks and what to do in the event of an attack. 

 

Driving Safely

Drive on Left Sign

In Australia we drive on the left hand side of two way roads. Ask passengers to remind you of this every time you set off and when you are turning at an intersection. You should always use pedestrian crossings when possible and remember to look right, then left and then right again when you are walking across the street.

All drivers and passengers in the car must wear a seatbelt. Children under age 7 must be in a child restraint appropriate for the child’s size and weight.

National Parks

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

Visit Parks Victoria for more information.