Preparing for Emergencies: Before, During and After

Have a plan

Everybody needs an emergency plan and kit

What would you do if you had to face an emergency at home or at work?

Knowing what actions to take makes it easier to stay calm if an emergency should occur. Preparation is the key to survival. By planning ahead, you can reduce the impact of an emergency on yourself and your family.

Your own plan - preparing an emergency plan

It makes good sense to take a few basic precautions to prepare your family and your home. Make sure all family members are involved and know their role.

  1. Check you have adequate household and contents insurance.
  2. Find out where to turn off power, gas and water supplies.
  3. Store important documents like wills, passports, photos and birth certificates in a fire/water resistant container or safe deposit box.
  4. Prepare an emergency kit and keep it in a prominent place.
  5. Write down emergency telephone numbers and keep them in a prominent place.
  6. Plan for your pets.

Have supplies ready

You can prepare for an emergency by keeping supplies such as candles, torches, first aid kits, and canned food etc. All members of the family should know where these supplies are kept in your house.

Do not depend on power and telephones as they will often fail in an emergency. Radios may be your only means of information during an emergency - ensure you have a battery powered radio and keep spare batteries handy.

Know how and where to turn off your gas, electricity and water.

What to do in an emergency

  • Stay tuned to a battery powered radio or television where possible, to avoid electricity use. A Standard Emergency Warning signal is often used on radio or television before official messages.
  • Listen carefully as the messages will include instructions on what is happening and what you should do.
  • Information should be available in different forms including languages other than English through a variety of media however, residents should help look after neighbours who may be elderly, sick or do not speak English.
  • Protect pets by making sure they can be easily moved if evacuation is necessary.
  • Use your phone only for emergency.
  • Keep lines clear for essential calls.
  • If you are not affected, stay home leaving the roads clear for emergency vehicles.

In an emergency you may be instructed to evacuate by a police door-knock in your area, or by radio or television messages. You will be advised at the time where your nearest emergency relief centre is located. These centres are set up and run by Council.

Emergency messages will be broadcast to the community using the local radio network.

Visit the VicEmergency website for more information on preparing before an emergency and to find information during an emergency.

Emergency kit

It is also useful to have a bag ready containing:

  • battery operated AM/FM radio and torch with spare batteries
  • supply of water and non-perishable food
  • personal items including medication, documents and toiletries
  • basic first aid kit and manual
  • pet needs, food, lead etc.

Prepare your kit early and keep it in an easily accessible area.

Make sure the kit is portable and keep it up to date.

If you have to leave your home

If you leave your house or building because of an emergency:

  • listen for emergency warnings and safety advice on radio
  • metro area emergencies: 1278, 774 AM
  • turn off power, gas, and water and secure doors and windows (if it is safe to do so)
  • take your emergency kit with you, and
  • cooperate with emergency services.

After the emergency

If your home has been affected by an emergency, you may be told it is no longer safe for you to stay.

Step one – What you need to do now

Speak to the officer in charge and ask if it is safe to go into the house and get important items such as:

  • Medicine (if not damaged) and prescriptions
  • Reading glasses, hearing aids, mobility aids
  • Driver’s License
  • Medicare Card and Passport
  • Credit cards and bank details
  • Laptops, jewellery, photographs, cash
  • Legal documents such as Wills
  • Keys – house keys, car keys
Step Two: Make accommodation arrangements
  • If you are renting, contact your agent or landlord to get assistance with finding another property to rent.
  • Make contact with family or friends to arrange a place to stay for a few days until you are able to make other arrangements.
  • Call your insurance. Speak to your insurance about help with:
    • Securing your home
    • Temporary fencing
    • Roof tarp
    • Theft or vandalism
    • Ask if emergency accommodation is covered in your insurance policy.
Step Three – DO NOT discard anything in the house

Do NOT discard or throw away anything you think is damaged until you have spoken to your insurance company.

  • Make a list of all your items that have been damaged.
  • Take photos of damaged goods and items.
Step Four – Other assistance
  • If you are having issues with insurance, contact the Victorian Ombudsman: 1800 367 287 or visit fos.org.au
  • If you need legal advice relating to the emergency you can contact Disaster Legal Help on 1800 113 432.
  • Reach out to your GP who can refer you onto other service providers.
  • Contact Centrelink if are eligible for payments on 132 850
Step Five – Who to contact

You will need to contact the following services to advise them of your situation.

  • Utility services (gas and electricity)
  • Water provider
  • Mail delivery
  • Employer
  • Schools, daycare provider etc.

Emergency Services will usually contact Council about your situation. If you need some further assistance and advice, please contact Merri-bek City Council on 9240 1111 and ask to speak to the Municipal Recovery Manager.

Recovery from emergencies

 The Merri-bek Emergency Relief and Recovery Plan outlines the processes and actions council and other partners will undertake to support the community through the recovery process.

Merri-bek Relief and Recovery 2026 - 2029.pdf (PDF 2Mb)

Taking care of yourself and others

Emergencies can affect us all in different ways. It is important to take care of yourself and those around you when working through the recovery process. 

If you need some extra support during this time, please contact your doctor, mental health professional or refer to the flyer attached for contact numbers: Support in recovery.pdf (PDF 227Kb)

The Better Health Channel has a variety of information to assist in supporting families and children through emergencies and trauma. Emergency, crisis and support services | Better Health Channel

Animal welfare in emergencies

We recognise the importance of our furry friends and their wellbeing in emergencies. The Merri-bek Animal Welfare in Emergencies Plan outlines how we assist animals and owners in emergencies. 

Merri-bek Animal Welfare in Emergencies Plan 2026 - 2029.pdf (PDF 623Kb)

The RSPCA has some simple guidance on how to prepare your pets for emergencies: Emergency planning for pets | RSPCA Australia

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