Government launches new emergency site ahead of bushfire season

Launching the website on Sunday, Mr Francis said the $2.8 million resource reflected the government’s commitment to providing accurate and timely information during emergencies.

Criticism was levelled at the government earlier this year by an inquiry into the Waroona-Yarloop fires which found the warnings to the people of Yarloop were late and inaccurate.

“The multi-hazard Emergency WA website will give people better access to emergency information and critical community warnings, including map-based warning areas,” Mr Francis said.

“The site will also deliver a live feed of emergency incidents reported to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, meaning people will find out about a fire as soon as it is reported to triple zero.”

The Minister said the Emergency WA website was a cornerstone of the ‘Are You Ready?’ bushfire campaign, which emphasised that preparing for bushfires was a shared responsibility, and everyone had a role to play.

“This year's campaign features Peel region resident Steve Angel who lost his home in a bushfire in 2007, then re-built to a standard that ensured he was bushfire ready,” he said.

When bushfire swept through Dwellingup in January 2016, Mr Angel's new home escaped unscathed.

“Steve's story highlights the critical importance of people ensuring that their family and their property are prepared for out of control bushfires that can strike at any time,” he said.

‘Are You Ready?’ is a joint effort across Government, with Western Power a major supporter as part of its strong commitment to bushfire preparedness and community safety.

The new site can be found at emergency.wa.gov.au.