Official launch of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal

9/3/99Police Minister Kevin Prince today officially launched the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS).
The Western Australian developed signal has been adopted nationally to alert communities to urgent safety messages in the event of a major catastrophic emergency such as a cyclone, flood, fire or earthquake aftershock.
The signal, which sounds like a wailing siren, will be broadcast to affected communities over the radio, television, telephone (through PC Cops) or on a public address system should a disaster strike.
"The need for a national emergency warning system was identified some time ago by both State and Commonwealth authorities and following permission of the WA Bureau of Meteorology, the use of the tropical cyclone warning signal has now been adopted," Mr Prince said.
"The signal, followed by a message, will be used to warn communities of imminent danger as well as convey important safety messages and directions to ensure public safety should a flood, fire, cyclone or earthquake occur."
Mr Prince said promotional posters and literature had been distributed to police stations, Local Government offices, schools, relevant Government agencies and media outlets as part of a public awareness campaign on the SEWS.
Information on SEWS is available on the WA Police Service Internet website or by calling the State Emergency Service on 9479 9241.
"SEWS is all about saving lives and property and minimising the potential for any public confusion about what to do should disaster strike," the Minister said.
Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9220 5000