Following a significant emergency event, you may not have access to electricity or internet, and access to/from homes may become cut off.
The first 72 hours are usually the most crucial. During this time, many services will be inundated with requests for help - this is one of the many reasons why it’s essential to have a comprehensive plan in place before an emergency event occurs.
Where to get help after an emergency
During and immediately after an emergency, a variety of agencies and organisations will offer immediate relief, including at an Emergency Relief Centre. Depending on the nature of the emergency, the need for support and assistance can continue for weeks or months.
- Contacting Council can be a good way to get help and answers to your questions - we have Planners, Building Surveyors and Environmental Health staff that can assist with queries specific to your situation.
- The VicEmergency website contains a comprehensive register of information on a variety of relief and recovery resources, including bushfire, flood and storm. The information can change when particular events are taking place or have happened. Visit the VicEmergency website.
Many other resources are available to assist:
Financial and legal assistance and support
Each emergency will trigger different levels of financial assistance and support. The agencies and organisations listed below will be able to provide you with information relating to the support that may be available.
Mental health, family violence and other assistance
Surviving an emergency event can have substantial impacts on your mental health. Making use of the help available will likely lead to a faster recovery.
It’s important that following a traumatic event, you book in to see your GP, a counsellor or similar service provider.
Incidences of family violence also increase after experiencing an emergency. Please reach out for help from friends or family or contact one of the agencies below for assistance if you need help.
Returning home and cleaning up
Insurance
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and seek advice about the claims process.
After an emergency event, Council enters into recovery mode with the goal of supporting impacted communities.
Regardless of the size of an emergency there is a contact point at Council and if necessary, a dedicated team of people to assist affected community members.
The nature of recovery will vary according to the emergency and can take on many different forms.
In a high level situation where whole communities are impacted, Council may establish an Emergency Recovery Centre. A variety of agencies and organisations may operate out of Council’s Emergency Recovery Centre and offer a range of programs and support to the community, including:
- Insurance advice
- Accommodation and financial support
- Meeting place for the community to come together and support one another
Learn more about our Municipal Emergency Management Plan and supporting documents.