Help & warnings

Emergencies

If there is a life-threatening or time-critical emergency, telephone triple zero (000). It is the quickest way to get help. Calls to triple zero are free and can be made from fixed line phones, mobile phones and public pay phones.

When calling triple zero, you will first be asked whether you require help from the police, fire brigade or ambulance service.

Non-emergencies

Crime incidents that don't require immediate police attendance, or any general police enquiries, should be directed to the Police Assistance Line by phoning 131 444. Crimes can also be reported online.

Alternatively, you can phone or visit your local police station.

If you have information about a crime, contact Crime Stoppers Victoria or phone 1800 333 000. Reports can be made anonymously, either by phone or online, and will be sent to the appropriate police department.

Bushfires

The Victorian countryside is prone to bushfires during the warmer months of the year, particularly on days of extreme heat, low humidity and strong wind. Such conditions often result in the declaration of days of total fire ban which prohibits the lighting of fires in the open air and other activities that could cause a fire to spread.

For current fire warnings and information:

• Visit the Vic Emergency website for current fire incidents and warnings
• Telephone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667
• Check today's total fire ban and fire danger ratings

Floods, storms and earthquakes

Victoria's weather can be quite changeable. Before planning outdoor activities, it is worthwhile to check for any relevant weather warnings. See the Bureau of Meteorology's Victorian Weather & Warnings which publishes current weather information and forecasts for extreme weather conditions.

Earthquakes can occur in Victoria without any warning. However due to Victoria's location, earthquake events are typically minor. Many go unnoticed, and those that are felt usually cause little or no damage. Despite this, a small number of more significant earthquakes have occurred in the past.

For help during floods, storms and earthquakes, telephone the SES (Victoria State Emergency Service) on 132 500.

Visit the Vic Emergency website for current flood incidents and warnings.

Water conditions

Water quality at bay beaches around Port Phillip are monitored for bacteria levels which may make them unsuitable for swimming. Bacteria levels may increase if heavy rains wash pollutants into the bay through drains and waterways. Consult the EPA Beach Report for latest reports and forecasts between December and March.

For information about water quality in the Yarra River, consult Melbourne Water and EPA Yarra Watch for latest reports and forecasts between December and March.