City of Victoria launches new emergency alert notification service

Victoria has launched a new web-based system that will send emergency notifications directly to residents or visitors who sign up online.

Subscribers to Vic-Alert can opt to receive emergency updates and instructions by text, email or voice call on a private phone.

The system will be used to deliver information including severe weather and tsunami warnings, Amber Alerts and information about power outages.

The city says information can be sent city-wide or to targeted areas so it can be helpful for neighbourhood-specific emergencies such as a gas leak or evacuation.