Related Pages
Related Publications
- Memorandum of Understanding - ABC Victoria and Victorian Emergency Services Organisations
- Community Alerting for Bushfire - A Local Solution for a Local Need
- Community Information and Warning System (CIWS)
- Coode Island Community Warning and Information System
- Fire Refuges in Victoria: Policy and Practice
- Halls Gap Fire Recovery Project
- Living With Risk: Ferny Creek Fire Alert Siren Evaluation Report
- Measuring Community Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies in Victoria
- Practice Note - Emergency Management Team
- Practice Note - Operation of a Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre
- Practice Note - Sourcing Supplementary Emergency Response Resources From Municipal Councils
- Teenagers In Emergencies
- The Process of Building Community Alert Systems: A Case Study of Community Consultation
- Road Rescue Arrangements Victoria
Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS)
The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) is used in Victoria to alert members of the community that an official emergency announcement is to be made concerning an actual or impending emergency.
The SEWS alert is a distinctive “wailing” siren which may be broadcast on radio, television, or public areas such as shopping centres or sports grounds. The use of SEWS is intended to attract the listener’s attention prior to the broadcast of an important safety message
If you hear SEWS broadcast:
- stop what you are doing
- listen carefully to the information provided
- act as directed
SEWS broadcasts need to be authorised by Police Divisional Emergency Response Coordinators, in accordance with arrangements in the Emergency Management Manual Victoria.
Contacts
Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner
GPO Box 4356
Melbourne VIC 3001
Tel: 03 8684 7900
Fax: 03 8684 7956
Email: oesc@justice.vic.gov.au