VicEmergency App and Hotline

Summary

VicEmergency is the central location for emergency warnings and incident information.
Download the app for iPhone or Android.
Visit the VicEmergency website.
Call the Hotline 1800 226 226
Create watch zones in the app to get notifications about specific locations.

What is VicEmergency?

Two phones. On the left is a modern smart phone with the VicEmergency app displaying a map of part of Victoria indicating fires in the area and yellow and orange Advice and Watch and Act alerts. It also indicates that it is a Total Fire Ban day. On the right is an older style push button phone displaying the VicEmergency Hotline number 1800 226 226.

The VicEmergency app, website and Hotline provide real-time emergency information and warnings.

They cover:

fires
storms
floods
earthquakes
tsunamis
shark sightings
air quality
gas leaks and more.

Downloading the Vic Emergency App

iPhone users

The VicEmergency app is available for download through the Apple App Store.

Android users

The VicEmergency app is available for download through the Google Play Store.

Using the App

Make sure you can receive information and warnings from VicEmergency wherever you are:

Enable location services on your phone.
Turn on location service permissions for the VicEmergency app.
Turn notifications on.

Create watch zones

Create a watch zone to receive information for a particular location. You will be alerted to any incidents or warnings in that zone.

[VicEmergency - How do I create a watch zone?]

Creating a watch zone on your device allows you to be notified of incidents and warnings in a particular area of your choice.

On the home screen, select “Create a watch zone”

On the next screen, you can then type the address or suburb into the search box at the top and select the location from the suggestion list that drops down.

Next adjust the watch zone radius by selecting the plus or minus buttons.

If you’re happy with the area that the blue circle covers on the map, select next.

Choose a name for your watch zone and type it into the text box.

If you are happy to receive the default alert settings which are for fire, flood and weather, then simply press quick save at the top of your screen.

However, if you want to modify your alert settings, then scroll down to the “Incidents” section, select the arrows and choose what you want to receive notifications for.

Once you’re happy with your settings, just select the “Save” button.

You will then see a pop-up that says “Your watch zone has been created”.

If you want to pause your alerts for a particular watch zone, you can switch them on or off on the home screen.

Find out more emergency.vic.gov.au/app

In rural areas, watch zones should be 10km in radius or more.

You can create up to 20 watch zones at a time.

First, create a watch zone for your local area. You can also set up new watch zones when visiting or travelling through other locations.

You might also like to set up watch zones where your loved ones live.

VicEmergency Hotline

Call 1800 226 226 to hear about current emergencies and fire information, including:

Emergency incidents and warnings
Current Fire Danger Ratings and what they mean
Current fire restrictions
Planned burns taking place.

The Hotline can also provide information about:

CFA programs and services
Emergency Relief Centres
Neighbourhood Safer Places - Bushfire Place of Last Resort
Bushfire recovery and assistance.

VicEmergency Hotline for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Speech Impaired

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can contact the VicEmergency Hotline through the National Relay Service (NRS).

You can also use the National Relay Service (NRS) chat call to reach emergency services.

Translation and interpreting service

If you or someone you know doesn't speak English, they can access translated information from the VicEmergency Hotline by calling 131 450.

Where VicEmergency information comes from

The VicEmergency app and website bring together emergency information and warnings from agencies including:

The app is managed by Emergency Management Victoria and supported by the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

Need help using the app or website?

If you or the person you are caring for needs help to set up or use the app, visit VicEmergency for support and advice.

Page last updated: Tuesday, 15 September 2026 3:04:21 PM

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VicEmergency App and Hotline

Summary

What is VicEmergency?