AusAlerts - disaster alerts
AusAlerts are disaster alerts
AusAlerts are warning messages sent to mobile devices by state and territory emergency services organisations and the Australian Government. AusAlert is just one of the many ways we’re helping to keep Australians safer during local and national emergencies and disasters.
Disaster types
AusAlerts can be sent about different types of emergencies, such as:
- natural hazards—for example, bushfires, floods, cyclones, earthquakes or tsunamis
- security threats—for example, serious public safety events or terrorism
- biosecurity incidents—for example, animal or plant disease or biohazard outbreaks
- health emergencies—for example, pandemics or other major public health issues.
AusAlert languages
AusAlert messages are written in English.
Help guides are available in many other languages.
Other ways to find out about emergencies
AusAlert is just one way to stay safe in an emergency. It’s important you don’t wait to receive an AusAlert before acting in a disaster. You must still prepare yourself and have an action plan.
Other places to get more information about an emergency include:
- local radio—the ABC is the official national emergency broadcaster
- television
- social media
- emergency services apps
- friends and family.
Emergency services organisations can also send messages to landline phones. If there are landlines in the targeted area, they may receive the alert as a spoken message.
State and territory emergency communications
The Australian Government is working closely with states and territories to build and test the AusAlert system.
State and territory emergency services know their local environments best and each jurisdiction has websites and apps that provide emergency and hazard information to local communities. These remain an important and trusted source of information before and during emergencies.
Use local resources alongside AusAlert to be as informed as possible about hazards and emergencies that may affect you.
For more information about your state or territory emergency communications, visit:
- Australian Capital Territory: ACT Emergency Services Agency
- New South Wales: Hazards Near Me
- Northern Territory: Secure NT
- Queensland: Get Ready Queensland
- South Australia: Alert SA
- Tasmania: TasALERT
- Victoria: VicEmergency
- Western Australia: Emergency WA.
AusAlert will eventually replace Emergency Alert, which is Australia’s existing national SMS-based alert system.
Find more information about AusAlert.