Prepare for an emergency

The Australian Red Cross has been supporting people during times of disaster for many years and understands that being prepared for bushfire, flood, cyclone or whatever disaster you may experience means that you will be more likely to recover quickly.

For more information on how to prepare yourself and your family for an emergency, visit the Australian Red Cross emergency preparation website.

Neighbourhood Safer Places

Neighbourhood Safer Places are not designed to replace a personal bushfire survival plan. CFA advises that everyone should have a written bushfire survival plan.

Neighbourhood Safer Places are municipal council designated buildings or spaces within the community that may afford some protection from radiant heat, the biggest killer during bushfire.

They are a place of last resort in bushfire emergencies only. They are a last resort shelter that may assist people when there is imminent threat of bushfire and they have no plan, or their planned options are not possible.

More information and how to find your closest Neighbourhood Safer Place can be found here

Fire

For information relating to fire preparedness, please visit the getting fire ready webpage.

Floods and storms

Floods and storms are one of the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Be prepared by following Victoria State Emergency Service advice.

For information about preparing for floods and storms visit:

Heatwaves

A heatwave is a period of unusual and uncomfortable hot weather that could adversely affect human health, community infrastructure (such as power supply and public transport) and services.

Heatwaves can affect anybody and cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke which can be fatal. The most important things to remember are:

  • Keep cool  
  • Drink plenty of water  
  • Stay out of the sun  
  • Look after yourself and others

For more information visit the Better Health website.

For information about caring for pets and animals and preventing them from suffering heatstroke, visit the RSPCA website and the Agriculture Victoria webpage

Emergency broadcasters

Stay tuned into an emergency broadcaster to hear emergency updates, community alerts and other important messages. Tune into ABC Local 594 AM, 774 AM and 1602 AM. View a list of Emergency Broadcasters here.

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