Updated Public Information and Warnings Handbook now online

This 2021 revision of Public Information and Warnings includes latest research outputs from the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre communications and warnings research project and reflects the adoption of the Australian Warning System, endorsed by the Australia-New Zealand Emergency Management Committee in March 2021.

The handbook provides insight and guidance to people who have responsibility for communication with the public in the event of an emergency. It presents nationally agreed principles for warning policy and practice and explores the essential elements and discipline of effective public information and warning delivery.

The handbook aligns national disaster resilience strategy and policy with practice, notably the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience (COAG 2011) and Strategic Directions for Fire and Emergency Services in Australia and New Zealand 2021–2026 (AFAC 2021), by guiding and supporting jurisdictions, agencies and other organisations and individuals in their implementation and adoption. It also responds to Recommendation Two of the 2014 National Review of Warnings and Information (ANZEMC 2015), to advance a national approach through improved knowledge management.

Additionally a new companion document to the Handbook has been developed on the elements of the Australian Warning System. Previously, there have been different warning systems for different hazard types across Australia. The Australian Warning System aims to provide a consistent warnings approach to Australian communities.

You can access the Handbook and Companion Documents on the AIDR Knowledge Hub.