Developing an emergency plan can help you, your loved ones and your property during an emergency event.  Once you have created your plan, make sure you review and practice it regularly with those closest to you. This will prepare you for an emergency, identify any gaps and give you a sense of confidence. 

Choose a plan that is right for you or use them to help you create your own. For free emergency plan templates and resources, visit the links below:  

• CFA bushfire plan ‍
• Emergency Prepare website ‍
• SES emergency plan workbook ‍
• Red Cross emergency plan ‍
• SES flood emergency guide ‍
• Better Health Victoria emergencies and floods ‍
• CFA community information guide ‍
• Health Victoria extreme heat information ‍
• Agriculture Victoria pets and emergencies ‍
• Agriculture Victoria horses and livestock in emergencies ‍
• RSPCA emergency assistance  

It’s important to be prepared for any type of emergency to ensure the safety of yourself, those around you, and your property. For more information on what actions you can take, visit VicEmergency. 

You should have at least 2 ways to access information and warnings during an emergency. The recommended sources are to: 

• download the VicEmergency App 
• call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 
• follow VicEmergency on Facebook and Twitter
• tune into your local ABC news radio.  

Extreme heat and heatwaves kill more people than any natural disaster in Australia. Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sometimes even death, so everyone needs to carefully manage their daily activity during an extreme weather event. Top tips for surviving the heat:

‍Stay cool on hot days
Take these steps to stay cool during hot weather:

• use air conditioning or a fan
• wear light and loose-fitting clothing
• keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp sponge
• take cool showers or foot baths in cool tap water
• wrap ice cubes in a damp towel and drape around your neck
• block heat from entering your home with blinds or curtains. Open windows and doors if you think it is hotter indoors than outdoors
• consider spending some time in a cool place such as Bairnsdale and Orbost outdoor swimming pools, any air-conditioned buildings including, our recreation centres, libraries and community facilities (eg halls) which can be opened by committees of management
• avoid vigorous physical activity.

Drink fluids
During extreme heat, keep drinking fluids before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors and performing physical activity. Drink fluids:

• whenever you leave home, always take a water bottle with you
• whenever you leave home, always take a water bottle with you
• watch for signs of dehydration like feeling thirsty, lightheaded, having a dry mouth, tiredness, having dark coloured, strong-smelling urine or passing less urine than usual
• if your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much you should drink during hot weather.
  

Check in on others
A quick call can make a big difference. Let family, friends and neighbours know you are ok or check in with those at increased risk or who may need your support during days of extreme heat. People more at-risk include:

• those over the age of 65
• young children and babies
• pregnant women
• people with acute or chronic health problems
• people who are socially isolated.

Plan ahead
When planning outdoor activities:

• cancel or reschedule activities for a cooler time of the day
• monitor VicEmergency warnings and advice.

More information

The Better Health Channel website provides advice on health matters. You can also access health alerts issued by the Department of Health.

• Victorian Heat Health Plan‍

• See our Municipal Emergency Management Plan for our Heatwave plan

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Home and contents insurance can provide financial protection for your home and personal belongings in case of unexpected events, including fire, flood, storm and other damages that may occur.   For more information how you can prepare your finances for emergencies, visit Department of Families Fairness and Housing Victoria.

A vulnerable person is someone living in the community who is frail, and/or physically or cognitively impaired and unable to comprehend warnings and directions and/or respond in an emergency. 

There is a Vulnerable Persons Register (VPR) for people who may need consideration in an emergency. The register is maintained by agencies that provide personal care, support and case management services to people living in the community in partnership with Council.  

To register your details, visit Police Seniors Register East Gippsland or if you are aware of someone who would need assistance in an emergency, please email us or phone us on 5153 9500. 

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Telecross is operated by Red Cross and provides peace of mind to people who are isolated through a daily call to check on their wellbeing and safety.  
For more information about this service, contact Red Cross. 

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For more information on how to better prepare yourself for house fires, bushfires, storms, and floods, you can visit the below services: 

• VicEmergency ‍
• Country Fire Authority (CFA)  ‍
• State Emergency Service (SES)  ‍
• Emergency Management Victoria    ‍
• Australian Red Cross   ‍
• Australian Warning System