Emergency preparedness policy for clients and services 2017
Information for different types of emergencies and hazards
Topic / Where to find information /Warnings / • Current warnings and locations of emergencies:
The VicEmergency website: www.emergency.vic.gov.au
The VicEmergency mobile app
The VicEmergency hotline: 1800 226 226
• Information on Code Red:
http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/bans-and-rating-faqs/
General / • Red Cross REDiPlan materials to prepare households for emergencies:
www.redcross.org.au/emergency-services.aspx
• Emergency preparedness resources for residential aged care services including the Residential aged care services natural hazards ready resource:
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/ageing-and-aged-care/residential-aged-care
• Guidelines for maintaining food safety in emergency situations, including power failures:
www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety/bus/emergency_situations.htm
• Contact your local Council or visit their website for local information on emergencies including Municipal Emergency Management Plans
Bushfires / · Information and advice to help you plan and prepare for bushfire and grassfire is available through the Country Fire Authority:
http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/
· Australian Red Cross Bushfires: preparing to leave early plan:
http://www.redcross.org.au/files/Bushfires_preparing_to_leave_early_editable.pdf
• Specific local information for high-risk localities:
http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/your-local-area/
Victorian Bushfire Information Line: 1800 240 667.
• The State Bushfire Plan:
https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/responsibilities/state-emergency-plans
Electricity supply disruption / • Information about power outages and keeping safe during an power outage:
https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/
• Information on how to cope without gas or electricity:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/emergencies-coping-without-gas-or-electricity
• Safe use of alternative fuel and electricity generators:
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/environmental-health/environmental-health-in-the-home/power-blackouts-generators-carbon-monoxide
Flood, storm, earthquake / • Victoria State Emergency Service has information about floods, storms and earthquakes, including safety videos, and how to prepare for these hazards:
https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/
• Catchment Management Authorities may have information about the flood risk in your area:
https://vicwater.org.au/victorian-water-sector/catchment-management-authorities
Heatwave and days of extreme heat / • Information about heatwaves and health:
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/environmental-health/climate-weather-and-public-health/heatwaves-and-extreme-heat
• The Department of Health and Human Services heat health alert system to notify subscribers of forecast heatwave conditions. To view the alert system and sign up for alerts:
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/environmental-health/climate-weather-and-public-health/heatwaves-and-extreme-heat/heat-health-alert-status
• Red Cross factsheets with advice for people on coping in hot weather:
https://www.redcross.org.au/files/20091113Coping_with_hot_weather_fact_sheet.pdf
http://www.redcross.org.au/files/SENIORS_Heatwave_Factsheet_Dec2010.pdf
• The State Heat Plan:
https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/responsibilities/state-emergency-plans
Pandemic influenza / • The Victorian action plan for pandemic influenza:
https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/responsibilities/state-emergency-plans/victorian-action-plan-for-pandemic-influenza
• National, international and state plans for pandemic influenza:
www.health.vic.gov.au/pandemicinfluenza/
Smoke and your health / • The State Smoke Framework outlines and describes a cross-government approach to smoke events that impact air quality and the health of communities.
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/news-and-events/videos/state-smoke-framework
· Smoke and your Health:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/bushfiresmoke
· Bushfire smoke and your health:
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/environmental-health/climate-weather-and-public-health/bushfires-and-public-health
DHHS Emergency Management divisional contacts / · North Division – 1300 080 829
· West Division - 1800 780 354
· East Division – 1300 576 518
· South Division – 1300 528 951 (Gippsland)
· South Division – 1800 309 916 (Southern)
Content updated October 2017.
Emergency preparedness policy: Reference guide and glossary 2