Emergencies

🚨 Emergency & Safety Services

In Australia, there is one primary number for all life-threatening emergencies, but there are separate lines for non-urgent help to ensure emergency operators remain free for those in immediate danger.

1. Life-Threatening Emergencies (Triple Zero)

  • Phone Number: 000
  • When to Call: Use this number only for emergencies—when a life is in danger, a serious crime is in progress, or there is a fire or life-threatening medical situation.
  • Link: Triple Zero (000) – How to Call

2. Police Assistance (Non-Urgent)

  • Phone Number: 131 444
  • Link: SA Police – Key Contacts
  • Description: This is the Police Assistance Line. Call this if you need police to attend but it is not an immediate emergency (e.g., your car was broken into overnight, or you need to report property damage).
  • Crime Stoppers: Call 1800 333 000 to report information about a crime anonymously.

3. Fire Services (MFS vs. CFS)

South Australia has two main fire services depending on where you live.

  • Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS): Covers the city and major suburban areas (like Woodville).
  • Link: adelaidemfs.sa.gov.au
  • Country Fire Service (CFS): A volunteer-based service covering outer suburbs, regional, and rural areas. They are the primary agency for bushfire response.
  • Link: cfs.sa.gov.au
  • Bushfire Information Hotline: 1800 362 361 (Great for checking fire bans and danger ratings in summer).

4. Storm & Flood (SES)

  • Phone Number: 132 500
  • Link: SA State Emergency Service (SES)
  • Description: Call the SES if you need help during a flood or storm (e.g., a tree has fallen on your house or your roof is leaking severely due to storm damage).

5. Emergency Alerts (Alert SA)

  • Link: Alert SA App
  • Description: This is the official mobile app for South Australia that provides real-time bushfire and emergency warnings based on your location. It is highly recommended for all residents to have this installed.

🌿 Living with Wildlife: Safety & Resources

South Australia is home to unique and beautiful wildlife. While most interactions are a highlight of living here, some animals require caution. Here is how to navigate encounters safely.

1. Snakes (Spring to Autumn)

Adelaide has several venomous species, most commonly the Eastern Brown Snake. They are protected by law and play a vital role in our ecosystem by controlling rodents.

2. Spiders

Most spiders in Adelaide are harmless, but the Redback and the White-tail are common in suburban gardens and sheds.

  • Safety Tip: Wear gloves when gardening or moving woodpiles. If bitten by a Redback, seek medical attention; for a suspected funnel-web (rare in SA) or unknown bite with severe symptoms, call 000.
  • Resource: SA Health – Bites and Stings

3. Swooping Birds (Spring)

During nesting season (usually August–October), Magpies and Masked Lapwings (Plovers) may “swoop” to protect their young.

  • Safety Tip: Avoid nesting areas if possible. If you must pass, wear a hat or carry an umbrella. Don’t run; walk confidently and keep moving.
  • Resource: Magpie Swooping Map — A crowd-sourced map showing active swooping areas in Adelaide.

4. Kangaroos & Koalas

In suburbs near the foothills (like Burnside, Athelstone, or Tea Tree Gully), you may encounter kangaroos or koalas.

  • Kangaroos: Placid but powerful. Never feed them, as they can become aggressive when they lose their fear of humans. Keep dogs on a lead in these areas.
  • Koalas: Usually high in trees, but they do walk on the ground to change trees. They have sharp claws and can bite if handled.
  • Resource: Fauna Rescue SA — Call (08) 8289 0896 if you find an injured or orphaned native animal.

5. Essential Wildlife Contacts

  • Marine Wildlife (Seals/Whales/Dolphins): If you see a stranded or injured marine animal, call the National Parks and Wildlife Service via the Department for Environment and Water.
  • Bats & Flying Foxes:Do not touch bats. They can carry diseases (like ABLV). If you find a grounded bat, call a specialist rescuer immediately.
    • Adelaide Bat Care: 0422 182 444