For Current Alerts and Warnings
The most important link is to the official emergency website for Western Australia, which provides up-to-date information on all incidents across the state, including fire, flood, and storm warnings. http://Emergency WA: https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/
For General Emergency Advice and Contacts
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is the lead agency for all emergencies in WA. Their website has a wealth of information on preparing for and responding to various emergencies. https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/
Local Emergency Information
The City of Busselton also provides specific information on local emergency management arrangements and bushfire-related advice.
City of Busselton – Fire and Emergency Services:https://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/resident/fire-and-emergency-services
Key Emergency Phone Numbers
Triple Zero (000): For life-threatening emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance).
- DFES Information Line: 13 3337 for general emergency information.
- SES Assistance: 132 500 for help with storm damage, floods, and other urgent property repairs.
When you are in an emergency in Western Australia, the official broadcasters are the most reliable source of information. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) partners with specific radio stations to provide timely and accurate updates.
For the Yallingup/Busselton region and Western Australia in general, you should tune into the following:
Primary Emergency Broadcasters
- ABC Local Radio: The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is the national official emergency broadcaster.
- For this areaea, this would be ABC South West. The main frequency is 684 AM in the Bunbury/Busselton region.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) of Western Australia promotes several key messages for emergencies, particularly for bushfires in the South West. The central theme across all their advice is the importance of proactive preparation and decisive action.
Here are the main messages you’ll hear from DFES:
1. Have a Bushfire Plan
This is the single most important message. DFES emphasizes that indecision is the biggest killer in a bushfire. A plan helps you and your family know what to do well before a fire starts. The key components of this message are:
- “Got 15 minutes to burn? Create your bushfire plan.” This is a specific campaign to make the planning process seem manageable.
- The plan should cover what you’ll do, where you will go, what you will take, and how you will get there.
- The plan should be regularly reviewed and practiced.
2. “Leave Early” is the Safest Option
While DFES provides advice on staying and defending a property, their primary message for survival is to leave early.
- If your plan is to leave, you must do so well before a fire front arrives.
- This is especially true for homes that are not fully prepared to withstand a fire.
- As a guest we strongly advise you to leave when advised.
3. Know the Bushfire Warning System
Understanding the three warning levels is crucial for taking appropriate action.
- Advice: A fire has started, but there is no immediate danger. Stay informed and aware.
- Watch and Act: A fire is approaching and there is a possible threat to lives or homes. This is your cue to act on your plan. If your plan is to leave, you should do so immediately.
- Emergency Warning: An out-of-control fire is approaching and you need to take immediate action to survive. At this point, it is often too late to leave, and you must seek shelter.
4. Stay Informed and Connected
DFES stresses the importance of monitoring multiple official information sources. ABC Radio and the EmergencyWA website primarily.
EVACUATION INFORMATION FOR CHALET 15 40 Hemsley Rd Naturaliste – Head to Dunsborough town centre or any welfare centre, if declared by
emergency services, Travel east on Hemsley Road and north east on Caves Road.
