THE state government is investing nearly $16 million into providing a world-class emergency warnings system to protect Western Australian communities.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) last week unveiled a new Emergency WA website, the first stage of its upgraded Emergency WA warnings system.

Managed by DFES, the Emergency WA website has been providing accurate and timely emergency information since 2016, helping people affected by emergencies to make informed decisions on how to keep safe.

The upgrade includes new map features and a streamlined interface to help people find key information about current incidents, warnings, total fire bans and fire danger ratings.

This is the first upgrade in a series of enhancements to deliver faster, more targeted warnings including the launch of a new app later this year.

Future features will include the ability to set personalised watch zones and integrate with in-home and wearable smart devices, as well as translated warnings.

The new Emergency WA paves the way for WA’s adoption of the new Australian Warning System (AWS) being launched on Monday July 15.

The new system will introduce nationally consistent colours and icons for cyclone, flood and storm warnings.

The AWS warnings will feature action statements, providing people with clear advice on what to do when issued with an advice, watch and act or emergency warning.

As part of the AWS, communities in WA’s northwest will no longer see the blue, yellow or red cyclone warnings that have been in place for more than three decades.

To ensure communities are prepared, DFES has been engaging with key stakeholders including local governments, industry and service providers about the changes and what they mean.

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said keeping Western Australians safe through innovative and accessible technology was a priority for the state government.

“The new website is faster, more responsive and paves the way for the implementation of the Australian Warning System (AWS) in July. For further information visit the website at www.emergency.wa.gov.au