Key emergency contacts and smartphone apps

Cessnock City Council plays a supporting role during emergency events and disasters. While emergency services such as NSW Police, NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, and the Rural Fire Service lead the frontline response, Council helps to keep the community informed and connected.

During an emergency, it’s important to know:

  • Who to contact for immediate help or information
  • Where to find reliable, up-to-date alerts and warnings
  • How to stay connected as situations evolve

Council shares official information from emergency agencies through our website, social media channels, newsletters and community networks. We help direct you to the right services, whether that’s for reporting a hazard, seeking shelter, or accessing recovery support after the event.

See below for a list of key emergency contact details and recommended smartphone apps that can help you:

  • Monitor conditions in real time
  • Receive alerts and warnings relevant to your area
  • Access support services quickly
  • Prepare for and recover from emergencies more effectively

Knowing where to turn before a crisis happens can make a difference. Use the resources on this page to stay informed, stay safe, and help others do the same.

Key Emergency Contacts

In a life-threatening emergency, dial 000 (or call TTY 106).

NSW Police

In an emergency call 000, NOT your local station.

Non-emergency line:
131 444

Website
police.nsw.gov.au

Cessnock Police Station

02 4991 0199
Cessnock Police Station Website

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)

1800 679 737

rfs.nsw.gov.au

Fire and Rescue NSW

fire.nsw.gov.au

NSW State Emergency Service (SES)

132 500

ses.nsw.gov.au

Other useful contacts & apps

Bureau of Meteorology

Bureau of Meteorology NSW Website

Emergency Radio Broadcaster

ABC Channel 123.3AM
abc.net.au/newcastle

Cessnock Disaster Dashboard

Access Cessnock Disaster Dashboard here

Cessnock City Council After Hours Emergency Contact

For issues with local roads or Council owned/managed facilities, call 4993 4100

Poisons Information Hotline

13 11 26
poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au

Live Traffic NSW

132 701
livetraffic.com

Emergencies in NSW

nsw.gov.au/emergency

Public Transport

131 500
transportnsw.info

Disaster Welfare Assistance

1800 018 444
 disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au

Australian Red Cross

redcross.org.au

Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline

1800 814 647
NSW DPIRD and Local Land Services work together to manage the effects of emergencies on agriculture, livestock and our community as Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA).
lls.nsw.gov.au/floods

Useful Smartphone Apps

Emergency+

The Emergency+ app is a free, official smartphone app developed by Australia’s emergency services. It helps you contact a range of Emergency Services quickly and accurately in an emergency.

The app uses your device’s GPS to display your location, which you can read out to the operator. This is especially helpful if you're in an unfamiliar or remote area, or not sure of your exact address.

Download Emergency+ from the App Store or Google Play, so you have it ready when it matters most.

Hazards Near Me

The Hazards Near Me app is the official source of emergency information and warnings for New South Wales. Developed by the NSW Government, the app provides real-time alerts about bushfires, floods, and other hazards near your location or saved areas.

You can set up watch zones for places you care about, like your home, workplace or school, and get timely updates and advice to help you stay safe. Hazards Near Me is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.

BOM Weather App

The BOM Weather app is by the Bureau of Meteorology, offering accurate and trusted weather forecasts and warnings for locations across Australia.

Stay up to date with:

  • Severe weather warnings (including storms, heatwaves and floods)
  • Radar images and rainfall forecasts
  • Current conditions, forecasts and observations

You can save multiple locations and receive alerts for areas you live, work or travel to. The BOM Weather app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.

Live Traffic NSW

The Live Traffic NSW app helps you stay informed about road conditions, incidents, and closures across New South Wales. It’s an essential tool during emergencies, helping you plan safer travel routes and avoid affected areas.

Features include:

  • Real-time updates on road closures, crashes, fires, floods and other hazards
  • Live traffic cameras and travel times
  • Custom alerts for your regular routes or saved locations

Available for free from the App Store and Google Play.

ABC Listen

The ABC Listen app gives you easy access to ABC Radio - including ABC Newcastle (123.3AM) - from your smartphone or tablet, wherever you are.

ABC is Australia’s official national emergency broadcaster, providing trusted information and live updates during disasters such as bushfires, floods and severe storms. Tuning in to local ABC radio can be vital for staying informed about evacuation orders, road closures, and community updates.

Download the ABC Listen app for free from the App Store or Google Play, and add ABC Newcastle to your favourites so you can access it quickly in an emergency.

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