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.

See information translated into 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.