Disaster warnings and alerts
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Emergency warnings may be issued through a range of channels. No single warning system reaches everyone in every situation, so residents should monitor multiple sources of information before and during an emergency. Power outages, technology failures, telecommunication outages, network coverage limitations and local conditions can affect how warnings are received.
Websites, apps and social media
Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard
Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard is Redland City Council's primary online source of emergency information. Residents should check the dashboard for current weather warnings, evacuation information, road closures, power outages and other local emergency updates.
The dashboard brings together information from multiple agencies in one location, making it a key source of information during disasters and severe weather events.
Check the Disaster Dashboard
Other sources
Warnings, weather updates and emergency information is also available from:
Find emergency contacts for Redlands Coast
Mobile, phone and email alerts
National emergency warning systems (no sign-up required)
Emergency Alert
Emergency Alert is Australia's national telephone warning system. Emergency services can send voice messages to landline phones and SMS messages to mobile phones in areas affected by an emergency. If you receive a call or message from +61 444 444 444, it is a genuine Emergency Alert message and should not be blocked or ignored.
It is important that communities do not rely on receiving a message; individuals and communities must still prepare themselves in case of an emergency.
AusAlert
A new system is coming soon - AusAlert is a national emergency warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices within a defined geographic area. Messages are delivered automatically to devices in the affected area. Following successful testing in 2026, AusAlert is expected to become Australia's primary mobile emergency warning system.
Important: Not all devices can receive automatic emergency alerts. Device compatibility, software updates, phone settings, network coverage and service outages can affect whether an alert is received. For information about compatible devices and troubleshooting, visit the AusAlert website.
Redlands Coast Alerts (opt-in required)
Redlands Coast Alerts is Redland City Council's free, opt-in emergency messaging service. Residents can subscribe to receive local alerts, warnings, updates and information relevant to their registered location via SMS and email, subscription options include:
- Community Alert – to inform or bring attention to an event/disaster that is likely to significantly impact or disrupt a community, including opening an evacuation centre or place of refuge, or a planned Council burn near your registered location.
- Flood warnings for four local roads – Allan Day Drive, Wellington Point; Avalon Road, Sheldon; Moores Road, Redland Bay; and the corner of Nelson Road and Pitt Road, Wellington Point.
- Bureau of Meteorology warnings and alerts (by email only).
This service complements other emergency notification services; it will not be replaced by or replicate the Emergency Alert/AusAlert. Redlands Coast Alerts helps residents stay informed before and during emergencies, and should be used alongside other official warning sources.
Sign-up for Redlands Coast Alerts
Radio and TV
Radio and television remain important sources of emergency information, particularly during severe weather events and disasters. Emergency broadcasts may be preceded by the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS), a distinctive audio signal used to attract attention before an urgent emergency message.
Local radio and TV stations include:
Door-knocking, sirens and loud hailer announcements
Emergency services or Council may deliver warnings directly within the community when there is an immediate threat to life or when other communication channels may not reach affected residents. Due to changing conditions and the scale of some emergencies, authorities may not be able to reach every property.
Sirens, loud hailers or door-knocking are typically used in specific locations or high-risk situations and should not be relied upon as a primary source of emergency information.
Warning levels and warning systems
Australian Warning System (AWS)
The Australian Warning System is a nationally consistent approach to warnings about bushfire, flood, severe weather, cyclone, extreme heat and other hazards. It helps people understand the level of risk and the actions they need to take.
The three warning levels are:
- Advice (yellow) – An incident has started, stay informed and monitor conditions
- Watch and Act (orange) – There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing, start taking action now to protect yourself and others.
- Emergency Warning (red) – There is an immediate threat to life. You may be in danger. Take action now.
Understanding these warning levels before an emergency occurs will help you respond quickly and appropriately when a warning is issued.
Refer to the Australian Government's Australian Warning System for more information.
Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS)
SEWS is a distinctive audio signal (warning sound) used to attract attention before the broadcast of an urgent emergency message. When you hear the signal on radio or television, listen carefully to the message that follows and act on the advice provided.