Stay Informed

Information is key to making the right decision in an emergency. In the event of power outages, make sure you can receive information and warnings – keep a battery-powered radio with spare batteries, and a car-charger for your mobile phone.

Tune into the local ABC (Radio 90.3 or 95.3 FM) or commercial radio and television stations for warnings, updates and community safety announcements.

Weather related events (storms and cyclones) and flooding

The Bureau of Meteorology’s weather services provide a wide range of forecast, warning, weather observations and information services to the Australian community, including the Sunshine Coast.

This includes the flood warning network of rain and water level gauges that provide real-time rainfall and water levels at the gauge sites to forecast anticipated flooding conditions in our region.

These are for:

• severe thunder storms
• tropical cyclones
• flooding
• tsunamis

The flood maps reflect these weather forecasts and warnings.

Bushfires

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) publishes bushfire warnings  and fire bans.

To report a fire in any location call 000.

Visit the Queensland Fire and Rescue Services website for the latest news on fire incidents on the Sunshine Coast.

Road closures

Before you leave your house, check your route via council's list of road closures and road closure maps for the Sunshine Coast. In addition, check the Queensland Government’s Traffic and Travel Information (13 19 40) website or phone 13 19 40 for traffic and travel conditions on major roads.

Standard Emergency Warning Signal

The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) is a wailing siren sound used throughout Australia for various emergency events of major significance, such as cyclones, flooding and severe storms.

Listen to SEWS to familiarise yourself with the sound.

When you hear the signal on radio or television, pay careful attention to the message that follows and act immediately on the advice given.