HAZARD INFORMATION

Planning ahead for emergencies can save you and your family’s lives, so learn about hazards that may occur in your area.

Hazards Overview

Make a plan and be prepared. it’s your best chance of keeping safe.

As our climate and local environments change, we are facing dangerous and unpredictable hazards all around us. Wherever and however emergencies arise, our best defence is being as prepared as possible.

At DFES, we help WA to be safer and stronger in the face of both natural and man-made hazards. We work with communities across our state to build and support local resilience to a wide range of hazards.

Get your hazard planning in place

Bushfire

Bushfires are unpredictable and threaten rural and metropolitan areas every year. Indecision is the single biggest killer. So plan for the safety and survival of you and your family with an important five minute chat.

Fire in the home

Most household fires are accidental and preventable, yet people sadly die every year. Install smoke alarms and prepare an escape plan to help protect your family and property.

Business and industry fire

Fire in small and large businesses can destroy livelihoods and cause injuries and fatalities. Protect your business by maintaining site security, installing alarms and extinguishers and promoting a safety culture.

Arson

Deliberately lit fires cause significant damage and loss. DFES works closely with WA Police to find and convict arsonists. We encourage reporting of suspicious behaviour to them and rewards are offered.

Cyclone

Strong and frightening winds can cause injury, loss of life, major structural damage, disruption of utility and telecommunications services, flooding rains and dangerous debris.

Storm

Dangerous storms are our most common natural hazard. They’re unpredictable and may threaten people, animals, property and the environment through tornados, lightning, hail, flash flooding and gale force winds.

Flood

If you live in a flood prone region, you should prepare for the possibility of a devastating flood that may endanger you and your family, and even isolate you from the community and essential services.

Tsunami

WA's tsunami threat is lower than those in our neighbouring countries, but we remain vulnerable as we are close to an active earthquake area. Consequences in WA could include dangerous coastal flooding, rips and currents, and water travelling up river systems and estuaries.

Earthquake

Unlike other natural hazards, earthquakes can happen anywhere and at any time, without warning. They are capable of causing major damage to buildings and road, and loss of life, so you should know what to do to stay safe when the ground starts shaking.

Hazardous Materials

Exposure to some hazardous materials (HAZMAT) can cause serious injury or be fatal. HAZMAT incidents can involve explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and gases, poisons, corrosive substances, radioactive materials and infectious materials. Your immediate response must be to warn people close by, evacuate the area, and call 000.

Animal Welfare

After human safety, we have a duty of care to prepare for our animals’ welfare and safety in case of disaster or emergency. This includes taking all reasonable measures to provide food, water, shelter and injury treatment.

Warning Systems

One of the best things you can do in an emergency is to stay informed about your level of risk. DFES has a range of warning systems that give you the best available advice to follow. Remember that no warning system is foolproof, and emergencies can be unpredictable so you should always be prepared to act when at risk.

Disaster Relief and Recovery

Unexpected hazards and emergencies can have severe financial impacts on individuals, families, communities and businesses. The WA Government has a range of financial assistance and relief measures in place to help those affected recover from a disaster.

Emergency response tips

If you're in immediate danger, call 000.

Keep up to date on all alerts and warnings by visiting www.emergency.wa.gov.au.

Follow emergency services in your local region on Facebook and Twitter for real-time alerts and updates.

For recorded emergency information call 13 DFES (13 3337). For State Emergency Service emergency assistance during a storm, cyclone, earthquake, flood or tsunami call: 132 500.

Listen to your local ABC radio station or 6PR for warnings and updates before, during and after emergencies.

Stay in touch regularly with friends and neighbours and keep up community connections to be informed.

Be vigilant and keep a close lookout for changing weather conditions in your area.

WA.gov.au

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