In the event of an emergency, you need to:
The best way to stay safe in an emergency is to be informed by tuning into local radio and tv stations, monitor VicEmergency or download the app and ensure you’re monitoring for updates.
Emergency alerts are sent by emergency services to landline telephones and mobile phones, based on the location of the handset. In the event of an emergency, you may receive a voice message on your landline or a text message to your mobile phone. It is important that you follow what action you may need to take.
Sometimes mobile phone service may not be available due to network overload. If phone networks are working:
If you are leaving early in an emergency and you would like to register your whereabouts with us, please complete the Community Leave Early Form.
This form is intended to be for advice of emergency agencies only. It is not intended to replace the Personal Identification Form (PIF). Person's attending a relief centre may still be required to complete a PIF form to ensure they will be listed on the Red Cross "Register, Find, Reunite" database.
During an emergency, it is important to be aware of the dangers and risks to your health and safety and when it is likely to have an impact on you. When deciding whether to stay or evacuate, you need to be aware of and follow any emergency warnings and should not leave evacuation until the last moment.
You may receive evacuation warnings or orders:
If you receive an evacuation order, it is important that you follow the instructions. You should have an emergency plan, and an emergency kit should you need to evacuate.
If you need to evacuate or cannot return to your home during an emergency, you need to have a plan to visit friends or family who live away from the emergency until it’s safe to return.
If you plan to leave early, the safest option is to leave very early in the morning on days that are declared Severe or Extreme Fire Danger. On a Code Red (Catastrophic) rated fire danger day, the safest option is to leave the night before, or early in the morning.
There are Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) as a very last resort when all other bushfire plans have failed. They are locations that may provide some protection from direct flame and radiant heat, but they do not guarantee safety. They are not an alternative to planning to leave early or to stay and defend your property; they are a place of last resort if all other fire plans have failed.
For more information about Neighbourhood Safer Places, visit CFA.
For all emergencies dial 000