Stay informed
Staying informed is one of the most important steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe.
During, before and after a weather emergency, the Cairns Disaster Group will issue official information including weather updates, evacuation advice and if shelters are open.
If there is a power outage, a battery powered radio and spare batteries will be crucial and should be part of your Household Emergency Kit.
There are many ways you can stay informed.
All emergency information from the Cairns Disaster Group is provided on the Cairns Disaster Dashboard.
The Cairns Disaster Dashboard brings together information from a wide range of sources including Council, the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Ergon, Telstra and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
The dashboard also has information on storm surge inundations zones and evacuation routes, live feeds from traffic and flood cameras and an interactive map showing road closures, the location of fires and other hazards.
The Cairns Disaster Centre Facebook page is the official page of the Cairns Disaster Group and includes information and advice before, during and after an emergency.
- You can find it at: www.facebook.com/CairnsDisasterCentre or @CairnsDisasterCentre
The Cairns Regional Council Facebook page, will also provide information on impacts to local facilities and services.
- You can find it at Cairns Regional Council www.facebook.com/CairnsRegionalCouncil or @CouncilCairns
During an emergency, you can also check the official Facebook pages of emergency services including:
- Bureau of Meteorology: https://www.facebook.com/bureauofmeteorology
- Cairns Police: https://www.facebook.com/myPoliceGreaterCairns
- Queensland Fire and Emergency Services: https://www.facebook.com/QldFireandEmergencyServices
- Ergon Energy: https://www.facebook.com/ErgonEnergy
- SES Far North: https://www.facebook.com/SESFNR
During an emergency you may receive critical emergency information to your mobile phone and / or land line. When you receive this communication, follow the advice immediately. Don't wait.
Emergency Alert
Emergency Alert sends alerts via text message to mobile phones or as automated voice messages to landlines. Text alerts will come from the the Cairns Disaster Group. Landline calls will come 0444,444,444. These messages are sent based on the location of your device.
Cairns Alert
Cairns Alert is an opt-in service provided by the Cairns Disaster Group. Text messages will come from the Cairns Disaster Group. You may also receive emails in the lead-up to the disaster season with advice on being prepared.
Register below. You can update your details at any time by logging into your account.
Having trouble registering or updating your details? Read our FAQs.
The ABC is the official emergency broadcaster and a critical source of information, especially if other communication channels are impacted by loss of power or internet.
A battery-powered radio and spare batteries should therefore be part of your emergency preparations and included in your Household Emergency Kit.
During an emergency, broadcasts will start with the 'whoop whoop' sound of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS).
The Cairns Disaster Group may also broadcast emergency information on community radio stations.
ABC Far North | 801 AM 106.7 FM 95.5 FM |
Cairns Community Radio (multicultural broadcasts) | 89.1 FM |
Bumma Bippera Media (Indigenous radio) | 98.7 FM |
All local TV stations carry emergency updates in their regular bulletins.
If a life-threatening emergency develops the 'whoop whoop' sound of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) will be used before major announcements and bulletins will replace or interrupt regular programming.
During an emergency this website will include media releases and statements issued by the Cairns Disaster Group and updates from Council regarding impacts to services and facilities.
Last Updated: 6 July 2023
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