One thing coming out of last year's horrendous summer bushfires was concerns how different states and territories have different advice levels.

The Australian Warning System will bring flood, storm, cyclone and heatwave warnings into line with those used for bushfires, with the same three alert levels across all states and territories.

The warning system will be consistent across the country and provide clearer advice about how people should respond.

The Rural Fire Service has already rolled out the changes on its website and apps.

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The new advice has been developed by a working group at the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC).

The system will use a nationally consistent set of icons to show incidents on website and apps.

The system has been designed based on feedback and research across the country, and aims to deliver a more consistent approach to these types of emergencies, no matter where you are.

Three new icons will represent each of the alert levels: Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warning.

All three of those terms are already used nationally for bushfires, but it will be the first time they are applied to storms, floods, cyclones and heatwaves.

Advice - A fire has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

Watch And Act - There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

Emergency Warning - An Emergency Warning is the highest level of Bushfire Alert. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

When these incidents are shown, there may be detailed information about what to do to protect you and your family.

Over time, more types of incidents in more places around the country, will use the new system.

The icons shown on Fires Near Me and the RFS website will be changing as part of a national initiative to have all states and territories displaying incidents in the same way.

Remember - don't wait for a warning. Take action quickly and don't delay.