Module Intentions

1. Gain an overview of the importance of public information and warnings.
2. Understand warning principles and why we warn the public.
3. Outline the importance of delivering effective warnings including deciding when to warn, the complementary role of public information and the essentials of message construction.
4. Gain an awareness of who provides warnings and public information in Tasmania.
5. Become familiar with the public information and warning arrangements in Tasmania including the Whole-of-Government, Public Information Unit, incident management and publishing tools.

Why do you need to know about Public Information and Warnings?

• Public information and warnings are a priority in emergency management.
• It is important for anyone in emergency management, regardless of whether they work in public information, to understand public information and warning arrangements.

When will you apply this knowledge?

• The knowledge covered in this module will assist you to access information and warnings before, during and after emergencies.
• You will gain an understanding of how you can help to ensure the public has access to important emergency information.

What is Public Information?

• Public information describes the function and provision of information and warnings to the public during an emergency.

What are Warnings?

• Warnings are a specific form of public information which provide point-in-time information about a hazard that is impacting or is expected to impact communities.
• Warnings describe the impact and expected consequences for communities and include advice on what people should do.

Across Australia, Commonwealth, state and territory governments and their emergency service organisations and statutory bodies hold responsibilities for issuing warnings in a potential or actual emergency. Community members and organisations also play a shared role in communicating warnings.

Watch the video below which features subject matter experts from the Tasmanian community including representatives from DPAC, Tasmania Police, SES and the BoM.