Using SEWS. Guidelines for the use of SEWS include: • The emergency announcement, preceded by the SEWS, is to be repeated twice at approximately a five-minute interval, unless requested otherwise by the Incident Controller. • The duration of the SEWS sound should be no more than 10 seconds. • The incident controller can vary the duration of this signal depending on the circumstances of the emergency and the method by which the emergency warning message is to be delivered. • The relevant control agency is to ensure that a copy of SEWS is made available to all local media outlets – this is available in digital form, and can be emailed to the media outlet. • Control agencies are to ensure that they liaise with relevant stakeholder and support agencies, utilising an Emergency Management Team where appropriate, that includes regular and timely information sharing with the State Controller. The Incident Controller (or representative) shall ensure where practicable that the Control Agency command, the supporting agency commanders for the incident and the Police co-ordinator are notified prior to a SEWS (and subsequent Emergency Warning) being issued. • Agencies, where practicable and feasible, should monitor in real time the effectiveness of the dissemination of the warnings. • The Incident Controller should inform the community that the heightened risk / threat has passed / eased. SEWS is not to be used for this purpose.
