Emergency Numbers and Safety Tips for New Arrivals in Australia

Essential Emergency Numbers in Australia

Save these numbers in your phone immediately upon arrival:

When to Call 000 (Triple Zero)

Call 000 when there is an immediate threat to life or property. Examples include:

• Someone has collapsed, is unconscious, or is having difficulty breathing
• A serious car accident with injuries
• A fire — house fire, bushfire, or any uncontrolled fire
• A crime is happening right now (assault, break-in, robbery)
• Someone is in danger (e.g., domestic violence, threats with weapons)
• A person is in the water and drowning
• A medical emergency — chest pains, severe allergic reaction, serious bleeding

When you call 000, the operator will ask: "Police, Fire, or Ambulance?" State which service you need. If you're unsure, describe what's happening and the operator will connect you to the right service. Stay calm, speak clearly, and give your location as accurately as possible. The operator will stay on the line and guide you through any first aid if needed.

Non-Emergency Police and Services

For situations that are not life-threatening but still need police attention, call 131 444 (Police Assistance Line). Examples include:

• Your car was broken into (the thief is gone)
• You want to report a theft that happened earlier
• Noise complaints or neighbourhood disputes
• Lost or found property
• Reporting suspicious activity (not an immediate threat)

Many non-urgent police reports can also be made online through your state police website. This is often faster than calling. For example, NSW Police has an online reporting portal for minor theft, property damage, and fraud.

Beach and Water Safety

Australia has some of the world's most beautiful beaches, but the ocean can be dangerous if you're not familiar with it. Drowning is a leading cause of death for new arrivals, particularly those from countries without beach culture. Take this section seriously.

Rip Currents

Rip currents (or "rips") are the most dangerous hazard at Australian beaches. A rip is a strong channel of water flowing away from the shore. It can drag even strong swimmers out to sea. Rips are responsible for more rescues than any other beach hazard.

How to spot a rip:

• Darker, calmer-looking water between areas of breaking waves
• A channel of choppy, rippled water
• Discoloured or sandy water flowing seaward
• Debris or foam moving steadily out to sea

If caught in a rip:

1. Don't panic — rips won't pull you under, only away from shore
2. Don't swim against it — you'll exhaust yourself
3. Swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the rip, then swim back to shore
4. Float and raise your hand to signal for help if you can't escape

Other Water Safety Tips

• Rock fishing: One of the most dangerous activities in Australia. Wear non-slip shoes, never turn your back to the ocean, and always wear a life jacket. People die every year from being swept off rocks by rogue waves
• Rivers and lakes: Can have strong undercurrents and hidden hazards (submerged logs, deep holes). Never dive into unknown water
• Children: Always supervise children around water — within arm's reach for under-5s. Drowning can happen silently in seconds
• Swimming pools: In Australia, all pools must be fenced by law. If you have a private pool, ensure the fence and gate comply with regulations

Bushfire Safety

Bushfires are a natural part of the Australian environment but can be devastating. The bushfire season typically runs from October to March (summer months), though this varies by region. If you live near bushland, you need a bushfire survival plan.

Prepare Your Home

• Clear gutters, roofs, and areas around your home of dry leaves and debris
• Keep grass mowed short (ideally below 10cm)
• Store flammable materials (firewood, fuel, gas bottles) away from the house
• Have a hose long enough to reach all sides of your house
• Know your bushfire attack level (BAL) — check with your local council

Your Bushfire Plan

The key decision is: will you leave early or stay and defend? For most people, especially those new to Australia, the safest option is to leave early. This means leaving your home well before the fire threat arrives, not at the last minute.

• Know the fire danger ratings: Download the emergency app for your state. Fire danger is rated on a scale: Moderate, High, Very High, Severe, Extreme, Catastrophic. On Catastrophic days, leave early regardless
• Have a go-bag ready: Important documents, medications, phone charger, water, change of clothes, pet supplies if applicable
• Know your evacuation routes: Have at least two ways to leave your area. Don't assume roads will be open — check road closures via the emergency app
• Register for alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts via your state's emergency service (e.g., Emergency Alert, Vic Emergency, Fires Near Me NSW)

Severe Weather: Storms and Floods

Australia experiences severe storms, cyclones (in the north), and flooding. The SES (State Emergency Service) is your first call for storm and flood assistance — call 132 500.

• Never drive through floodwater. This is the number one cause of flood deaths in Australia. Just 15cm of water can wash a car off the road. The saying is: "If it's flooded, forget it"
• During severe storms: Stay indoors, away from windows. Unplug electronic equipment. If outside, avoid trees and seek shelter in a solid building
• Cyclones (northern Australia): Follow Bureau of Meteorology warnings. Know your cyclone category shelter requirements. Stock up on water, food, and batteries before cyclone season (November-April)
• Heat waves: Australia experiences extreme heat (40C+). Drink plenty of water, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat (11am-3pm), and never leave children or pets in parked cars

Road Safety Basics for New Arrivals

If you're coming from a country where they drive on the right side of the road, be aware that Australia drives on the left. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car. This takes some adjustment — be especially careful at intersections, roundabouts, and when crossing the road as a pedestrian.

Key Road Rules

• Speed limits: Strictly enforced. Residential streets are typically 50km/h, school zones 40km/h (during school hours), highways 100-110km/h. Speed cameras are widespread
• Drink driving: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 (lower than many countries). Zero tolerance for learner and provisional drivers. Penalties are severe — fines, licence suspension, and potential jail time
• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers. Children must be in appropriate car seats/booster seats until they meet height/age requirements
• Mobile phones: Illegal to use a handheld phone while driving. This includes at traffic lights. Fines are $300-$1,000+ and demerit points
• Roundabouts: Give way to vehicles already in the roundabout (coming from your right). Indicate when exiting
• Animals on roads: In rural areas, kangaroos, wombats, and livestock can be on roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Kangaroos are unpredictable — if one jumps in front of you, brake firmly but don't swerve

Wildlife Safety

Australia is famous for its unique wildlife, and yes, some of it is dangerous. However, the risk is often overstated — you're far more likely to be injured in a car accident than by wildlife. Here's what to know:

• Snakes: Australia has venomous snakes, but bites are rare (about 3,000/year, with only 1-2 deaths). If you see a snake, leave it alone and walk away slowly. Never try to pick up or kill a snake. If bitten, call 000 immediately, stay still, and apply a pressure immobilisation bandage
• Spiders: The redback spider and funnel-web spider are the main concerns. Anti-venom is available at hospitals. Shake out shoes and clothing that have been left outside. Check under toilet seats in outdoor toilets
• Jellyfish: Box jellyfish (lethal) and bluebottle (painful but not lethal) are found in northern Australian waters (October-May). Swim in stinger nets where provided. If stung by a box jellyfish, call 000 and pour vinegar over the sting
• Crocodiles: Saltwater crocodiles live in northern Australia (Queensland, NT, WA north of Broome). Never swim in rivers, estuaries, or beaches in crocodile territory unless signs confirm it's safe. Crocodiles are in saltwater AND freshwater
• Sharks: Shark attacks are extremely rare. Swim at patrolled beaches between the flags. Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or near river mouths

Scam Awareness for New Arrivals

New arrivals are unfortunately common targets for scams because they may be unfamiliar with how Australian systems work. Be aware of these common scams:

Government Impersonation Scams

Scammers call pretending to be from the ATO, Immigration, Centrelink, or police. They may threaten deportation, arrest, or visa cancellation unless you pay money immediately. Real government agencies will NEVER call and demand immediate payment over the phone. If in doubt, hang up and call the agency directly using the number from their official website.

Rental Scams

Scammers list properties they don't own (copied from legitimate listings) at below-market prices. They ask for a deposit or bond before you've inspected the property. Never pay money for a rental you haven't visited in person. Always verify the agent is licensed through your state's fair trading body.

Job Scams

Fake job offers that require you to pay for training, equipment, or "visa processing." Legitimate employers never ask you to pay to get a job. Be cautious of jobs found through social media or messaging apps that seem too good to be true.

Tax and ABN Scams

Scammers claim you owe tax or need to pay for a Tax File Number or ABN. The ATO will never demand immediate payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. TFN and ABN applications are always free.

Mental Health Support

Moving to a new country is one of the most stressful life events. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, lonely, homesick, or anxious. Australia has excellent mental health support services, many of which are free:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 — 24/7 crisis support, also available via text (0477 13 11 14) and online chat at lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention support. Also has online forums and resources at beyondblue.org.au
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 — for children and young people aged 5-25. Free, private, and confidential
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 — if you're experiencing domestic violence, family violence, or sexual assault
• GP Mental Health Plan: Visit your GP and ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This gives you access to 10 subsidised psychology sessions per year under Medicare. Learn more about mental health support
• TIS (Translating and Interpreting Service): 131 450 — provides interpreters for any health appointment, including mental health. The service is free for medical consultations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the emergency number in Australia?

The emergency number is 000 (Triple Zero). You can also dial 112 from any mobile phone, which connects to the same service. 000 works for Police, Fire, and Ambulance. It's available 24/7, free to call, and works from any phone (including phones without credit or even without a SIM card for 112).

Can I call 000 on a temporary visa?

Absolutely yes. Emergency services are available to everyone in Australia regardless of visa status. You will not be asked about your visa status when calling 000. If you need police, fire, or ambulance assistance, call without hesitation. Interpreters are available if you don't speak English well.

Is Australia safe for new arrivals?

Australia is one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime rates are low, streets are generally safe to walk at any time, and emergency services are efficient and trustworthy. The main risks for new arrivals are natural hazards (beach rip currents, extreme heat, bushfires) and scams targeting newcomers. Use our Suburb Safety tool to check specific areas.

What should I do if I see a snake?

Leave it alone. Slowly back away and give the snake space to move away. Most snakes are not aggressive and will flee from humans if given the chance. Do not try to catch, kill, or pick up the snake. If someone is bitten, call 000 immediately, keep the person still, and apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite site wrapping toward the heart.

Is ambulance free in Australia?

It depends on the state. Ambulance is free in Queensland and Tasmania. In other states, an emergency ambulance call can cost $400-$1,200+. If you have private health insurance, it usually covers ambulance. In some states, you can get ambulance membership (e.g., Ambulance Victoria membership is about $50/year for a family). Medicare does NOT cover ambulance in most states.

How do I report a scam in Australia?

Report scams to Scamwatch (ACCC). If you've lost money, contact your bank immediately to try to stop/reverse the payment, and file a police report via 131 444 or your state police online reporting portal. If the scam involves a government impersonator, also report it to the relevant agency (e.g., ATO for tax scams).