This is advice for individuals and householders to follow in the event of an emergency. It is of a general nature and any actions taken may need to be modified in response to the type of emergency experienced. Your municipal council may be able to provide details of local emergency arrangements.

You should consult the Preparing for emergencies and Recovering from emergencies pages of this web site for more specific information on dealing with emergencies.

An emergency is an event, actual or imminent, which endangers or threatens to endanger health and safety, property or the environment. Emergencies include natural events such as earthquake, flood and wind-storms, fires, explosions, road accidents, plague or epidemic, acts of war, hi-jacks, siege or riot, and disruption to essential services.

Before an emergency

• keep a list of emergency telephone numbers near your phone
• think about the types of emergencies you may encounter and how you will react
• develop appropriate emergency plans involving all household members, including what you will do and where you will go if you need to evacuate.
• arrange for an out-of-town friend or relative to be a single contact point for the family in case members are separated during a major emergency
• put together an emergency survival kit containing a torch, first aid kit, portable radio and spare batteries and keep it in a place where it can be found by all members of the household
• think about what you will do with your pets in the event of an emergency occurring
• know how and where to turn off gas, water and electricity
• check your house and contents insurance, in particular what types of events it does not cover
• think about how you store important documents and what you may need to do with them in the event of an emergency or if you need to evacuate

In the event of an emergency

• remain indoors (unless it is unsafe to do so)
• try to stay informed - radio stations such as 774 ABC Melbourne and local and community radio stations will provide current information when it is available.. The State Emergency Service provides information on the Standard Emergency Warning Signals (SEWS) which may be broadcast on radio and television
• locate your emergency kit and any additional items such as medication that may be required and be prepared to take it with you if you need to evacuate
• turn off gas, water and electricity if appropriate
• DON'T evacuate unless advised, either in person or via radio, or it is obvious to do so.
• DON'T use the telephone unless urgent or to report an important event
• DON'T go sightseeing - heavy traffic could prevent aid reaching those who urgently need it

Evacuation
Your household's decision whether or not to evacuate will depend upon the type of emergency you are facing.

• in some instances it may not be appropriate to evacuate, but may be safer to stay at home. For example, in the event of bushfire, decide well in advance whether or not you will evacuate and make your plans accordingly
• your local municipality may nominate areas to go to if you need to evacuate
• once you arrive, ensure you are registered with the appropriate agencies to ensure you are able to be traced by family and friends
• if you do not go to a nominated area ensure that you keep family and friends informed of your whereabouts
• if you do attempt to return home, you may be advised by emergency service personnel if the area is not safe for return

Emergency Management Australia has more information on how to develop an emergency plan, a checklist for your emergency kit and information on pets and disasters.