The aim of the Community Sub-Committee (CSC) of the Whittlesea Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee is to represent the local community voice to inform emergency planning before, during and after emergencies.
To express your interest in the Community Sub-Committee, fill out the form through the button below.
Australia’s fire danger rating system has been improved and simplified to make it easier for you to make decisions to stay safe on days of fire danger risk. Across the country, fire and emergency services are applying nationally consistent colours, signs, and terminology. This means that wherever you go in Australia, and whatever the season or bushfire fuels you’re surrounded by, you can understand the level of threat and what you need to do to stay safe.
Emergencies can happen and impact all of us. They can be large or small and depending on where you live, you may have a higher risk for certain types of emergencies, such as grassfires or bushfires.
It is important that we understand what types of emergencies we may face and how to prepare for them.
To help you prepare for all types of emergencies and to know what to do if an emergency occurs, we have created the following animated videos below.
Understanding your emergency risks, based on where you live
Emergencies put us, our loved ones and our communities at risk and it is important to be prepared and know what to do. Risks can be different based on where you live. Watch the following video to understand your emergency risks and how to prepare.
Technology that can help you, before, during and after an emergency
Technology can help you to prepare and stay safe in the event of an emergency. Watch the following video to understand what applications you should download to help you prepare and stay informed, before, during and after emergencies.
How to prepare for housefires, bushfires and grassfires
Fires can happen inside and outside the home and it is important to know how to prepare. Watch the following video to understand how to prepare for grassfires, bushfires and housefires and what to do during a fire.
How to prepare for storms and floods
Storms and floods happen, and it is important to know what to do during a storm or flood. Watch the following video to understand how to prepare for storms and floods and what to do during a storm or flood.
On applications such as the VicEmergency Application and many official websites, you will see the following symbols. Each symbol has a different meaning. It is important that you understand what each symbol means.
Advice
An incident is occurring or has occurred in the area. Access information and monitor conditions.
Watch and act
An emergency is developing nearby. You need to take action now to protect yourself and others.
Emergency warning
You are in imminent danger and need to take action immediately. You will be impacted.
Prepare to evacuate/Evacuate now
An evacuation is recommended, or procedures are in place to evacuate.
Additional messages
All clear
Emergency activity in the area has subsided and is no longer a danger to you.
Community information
A newsletter containing updates for communities affected by an emergency. Can also be used as notification that an incident has occurred but there is no threat to community.
What to include in a home emergency kit
Every household should have a home emergency kit that contains items that you will need, should you have to leave your home.
Remember – Every household has slightly different needs and the more people you have in your family, the more supplies you will need.
Below are some tips to help you prepare:
Check the contents of your kit regularly You will need to check your kit every few months to check expiration on food stored (and replace before it expires), to make sure the clothing still fits (particularly necessary for children), to check medications, rotate batteries, update ID, photos, and USB stick of important information and to make sure everything is still in working order.
Ensure that everyone in your house knows where your emergency kit is
Keep a list of all the items in your kit This should include expiration dates. Please see our emergency kit checklist for more information.
Store important items close by Store important items, like sleeping bags, air mattress, valuables and photos near your emergency kit for quick and easy access.
Write a list of any additional or oversize items that you may want There may be some items that won’t fit in your kit or that you may not want to store in your kit. Instead, put your absolute essentials in your kit and keep a list of items that you would also want to take in the case of an evacuation, if you have time.