IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL BANYULE 000 HOUSEHOLD FOR POLICE, FIRE & AMBULANCE FLOOD STORM EMERGENCY EMERGENCY 132 500 INFORMATION VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE INFORMATION LINE GUIDE 1800 240 667

↑ BUSHFIRES ↑ HOUSE FIRES ↑ HEAT WAVES ↑ POWER ↑ FLOODS ↑ SEVERE ↑ INFECTIOUS ↑ IMPORTANT FAILURE STORMS DISEASES INFORMATION IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 000 2 EMERGENCY CONTACTS & INFORMATION FOR POLICE, FIRE & AMBULANCE

EMERGENCY INFORMATION BUSHFIRE INFORMATION EMERGENCY RELIEF AND EMERGENCY FINANCIAL BROADCASTERS Victorian Bushfire RECOVERY ADVICE ASSISTANCE ABC Melbourne 774 AM, Information Line Victorian Emergency Recovery Centrelink 132 850 Plenty Valley FM 88.6 FM, 1800 240 667 Information Line 1300 799 232 www.centrelink.gov.au 3AW 693 AM, and Sky News CFA Website Emergency Relief and Victorian Emergency Recovery television. www.cfa.vic.gov.au Recovery Victoria website Information Line 1300 799 232 For a full list of broadcasters - VicEmergency Website www.recovery.vic.gov.au ROAD CLOSURES AND www.firecommissioner.vic.gov.au www.emergency.vic.gov.au Banyule Council Emergency TRAFFIC ALERTS Management Team 9490 4222 VicRoads 13 11 70 FLOOD AND STORM NON URGENT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ANIMALS IN EMERGENCIES Traffic hazards and road closures. INFORMATION www.vicroads.vic.gov.au VICSES Emergency Calls After Hours GP Helpline Department of Environment 132 500 1800 022 222 & Primary Industries 136 186 PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION www.depi.vic.gov.au Department of Health VICSES Website NURSE-ON-CALL 1300 606 024 Wildlife Victoria 1300 094 535 www.health.vic.gov.au/ www.ses.vic.gov.au BANYULE HOSPITAL emergency EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS Report sick or injured wildlife VICSES Information Line www.wildlifevictoria.org.au Banyule City Council Health 1300 842 737. Only available Austin Hospital 9496 5000 211 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg FREE INTERPRETING Services Unit 9490 4222 during large-scale emergencies. www.banyule.vic.gov.au Mercy Hospital for Women SERVICES VicEmergency Website TIS National 13 14 50 POWER OUTAGES www.emergency.vic.gov.au 8458 4000 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Access to immediate 24hr SP Ausnet 13 17 99 Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Emergencies related to telephone interpreting services. Outer northern and eastern 1300 659 217 pregnancy, gynaecology and new suburbs. www.bom.gov.au born babies born at MHW. Jemena 13 16 26 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT North and south-western suburbs. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 224 636 DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY? 3

Even though it’s easy to think that disasters won’t happen to you in Are YOU at risk? Banyule, emergency situations can happen anywhere at any time. It’s important to have a plan and to know what to do. Experience Banyule has a history of natural and man-made emergencies and shows that people who plan and prepare for emergencies can is particularly at risk of: reduce the impact of the emergency and recover quicker. • Bushfires This guide provides easy to understand local • House fires emergency information, to help you to: • Heatwaves 1. Understand your risks • Power failures 2. Make a home emergency plan and kit • Floods 3. Know what to do BEFORE, • Severe storms DURING and AFTER an emergency • Infectious diseases This guide has been produced by Banyule City Council, in consultation with Victoria Police, Red Cross, Ambulance Part of being prepared for an emergency is being aware of the Victoria, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, kinds of hazards and disasters you may face, as there are things VICSES, St John Ambulance, CFA and MFB. you can do BEFORE, DURING and AFTER an event that are unique to each type of emergency.

DISCLAIMER: Information provided is a guide only and should be customised for your individual circumstance, taking into consideration your local risks and family arrangements. HOME EMERGENCY PLANNING 4

Creating a home emergency plan takes Where can I get a template home emergency plan from? very little time and may help save your life, your family’s or your property during an The following emergency templates are available. emergency. Things to think about when creating your plan: RESOURCES AVAILABLE WWHERE TO GET THEM 1. Who should I include in my plan (e.g. family members, pets and livestock)? Home Emergency Plan Banyule City Council 2. What emergencies could affect me? www.banyule.vic.gov.au (See page 3) 9490 4222 3. Where will I go and what will I take if I need to evacuate? Emergency REDiPlan: Four steps to Red Cross 4. Where will I find emergency information prepare your household 1800 232 969 and warnings? Emergency REDiPlan: Household www.redcross.org.au 5. Where will I meet my family if we are preparedness for seniors separated (e.g. kids are at school)? Emergency REDiPlan: Household 6. How can I prepare my property for preparedness for people with a disability, emergencies? their families and carers 7. How can I prepare myself financially for Bushfires: Preparing to leave early emergencies? 8. How will I plan and prepare for my pets VICSES Home Emergency Plan Guide VIC SES and livestock safety? 1800 045 939 9. How often I will practise my plan? www.ses.vic.gov.au

Remember to practise CFA Fire Ready Kit CFA your plan! 1800 240 667 www.cfa.vic.gov.au HOME EMERGENCY KIT 5

Every household should have a home emergency kit that contains “EVERY HOUSEHOLD SHOULD HAVE items you will need during and after most emergencies. Your kit should contain at least these basic items, but should be tailored to A HOME EMERGENCY KIT” suit your needs: Portable battery operated radio or wind up radio. TIPS Battery operated torch or wind up torch. Mobile phone and charger. • Keep your kit in a waterproof box and store it in an easy to access location. Spare batteries. Overnight bag with change of clothes. • Check your home emergency kit regularly and re-stock any out-of-date items. Protective items, e.g. strong boots, sun hat, sunscreen, rubber gloves, gardening gloves and insect repellent. Woolen blankets and sleeping bags (or have them handy). Enough non-perishable food and drinking water for each person (and pets) for three days. Special requirements for pets, babies and the disabled. Medications and prescriptions. First Aid kit. Toiletries. Valuable items, such as copies of photos on a CD or memory stick. Important documents, such as passports, birth and marriage certificates, wills, insurance papers and a copy of your home emergency plan. BUSHFIRES TO REPORT A FIRE DIAL 000 6

Banyule is impacted by declared fire seasons, which occur every year and last an average of four months (usually December through WARNINGS & ALERTS to April). Radio & TV The greatest threat of bushfire is from the north and north-west ABC 774 AM, 3AW 693 AM, Plenty Valley FM 88.6 FM where fire may enter Banyule from the Shire of Nillumbik and/or and Sky News TV. For a full list of broadcasters the City of Whittlesea. www.firecommissioner.vic.gov.au. VicEmergency Website Greensborough - Apollo Parkways www.emergency.vic.gov.au. Greensborough - Apollo Parkways is at the southern most part of CFA and DEPI Website the Plenty Gorge and has been assessed as having a VERY HIGH www.cfa.vic.gov.au and www.depi.vic.gov.au/fire-and-emergencies. to EXTREME bushfire risk by the Victorian Fire Risk Register. Victorian Bushfire Information Line Greensborough residents should refer to the Greensborough – 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a Apollo Parkways Community Information Guide, available on the speech/communication impairment can contact this line via the CFA website or by contacting the Victorian Bushfire Information National Relay Service on 1800 555 677. Line. Phone In extreme situations you may receive emergency warnings ARE YOU BUSHFIRE READY? on your phone. See www.emergencyalert.gov.au for more PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE. information. FireReady App Get your Fire Ready Kit today! On your mobile phone. The CFA Fire Ready Kit helps you to understand your risk, prepare Social media your property and develop a bushfire plan. Twitter @CFA_Updates and www.facebook.com/cfavic. For a copy, go to www.cfa.vic.gov.au or contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line. FIRE DANGER RATING 7 WHAT DOES IT MEAN? WHAT SHOULD I DO?

These are the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire. Leaving high risk bushfire areas the night before or early in the VERY HIGH Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand day is your safest option – do not wait and see. CODE RED HIGH SEVERE fires in these conditions. Avoid forested areas, thick bush and long, dry grass. EXTREME The safest place to be is away from high risk Know your trigger. Make a decision about: LOW–MODERATE CODE RED bushfire areas. – when you will leave – where you will go – how you will get there FIRE DANGER RATING – when you will return – what you will do if you cannot leave.

Expect extremely hot, dry and windy conditions. • Consider staying with your property only if you are prepared to Stay aware of If a fire starts and takes hold, it will be uncontrollable, the highest level. This means your home needs to be situated and constructed or modified to withstand a bushfire, you are well

EXTREME unpredictable and fast moving. Spot fires will start, the fire danger move quickly and will come from many directions. prepared and you can actively defend your home if a fire starts. rating and know Homes that are situated and constructed or modified to • If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving high risk withstand a bushfire, that are well prepared and actively bushfire areas early in the day is your safest option. what to do. defended, may provide safety. You must be physically • Be aware of local conditions and get information by listening to and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions. ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations or Sky News TV, going to www.cfa.vic.gov.au or calling For more the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on1800 240 667. information Expect hot, dry and possibly windy conditions. • Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide contact: If a fire starts and takes hold, it may be uncontrollable. safety – check your bushfire survival plan. SEVERE Well prepared homes that are actively defended can • If you are not prepared, leaving bushfire prone areas early in the 1800 240 667 provide safety. day is your safest option. www.cfa.vic.gov.au You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend • Be aware of local conditions and get information by listening to in these conditions. ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations or Sky News TV, going to www.cfa.vic.gov.au or calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on1800 240 667.

VERY HIGH If a fire starts, it can most likely be controlled in these • Check your bushfire survival plan. HIGH conditions and homes can provide safety. • Monitor conditions. Be aware of how fires can start and minimise the risk. • Action may be needed. LOW – MODERATE Controlled burning off may occur in these conditions if • Leave if necessary. it is safe – check to see if permits apply.

↑ BUSHFIRES BUSHFIRES TO REPORT A FIRE DIAL 000 8

Total Fire Bans FireReady app Total Fire Bans are declared by district. Fire BANYULE IS LOCATED IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT. Ready Access up-to-date bushfire To find out what you can and can’t do during fire danger periods and Total Fire Bans go to the CFA website or call the Victoria warnings and advice when you are Bushfire Information Line. out and about. Download the No fires are permitted within the open air on days of FireReady app on your mobile today! Total Fire Ban. Some exemptions do apply, however you will require a permit. Contact your local CFA District Office or CFA headquarters on 9262 8444 for more information. Did you know grass fires can be just as dangerous as bushfires? VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE INFORMATION LINE • Grassfires can start quickly and spread rapidly, catching people 1800 240 667 off guard. 1800 555 667 (National Relay Service) • Grassfires can produce huge amounts of radiant heat that can Call for information on: kill anyone caught in the open. • Major bushfires (during and after). • The safest place during a grassfire is well away from the threat. • Total fire bans and fire restrictions. • If leaving early is not an option, move to a sheltered location three or more blocks back from the fire front if it is safe to do so. • Key bushfire preparation and planning. YOUR SAFETY IS NOT GUARANTEED. • Program, publication and services available. • Bushfire safety messages. For more information • Current fire danger ratings. CFA has a wealth of resources to help you know what to do before • Community meeting. and during a bushfire. Visitwww.cfa.vic.gov.au or contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on1800 240 677. WHAT TO DO 9

BEFORE DURING AFTER

• Determine if you’re in a high risk • Implement the bushfire survival • Listen to ABC radio or other emergency bushfire area, e.g. near where suburbs requirements of your home emergency broadcasters for updates. meet bush and grassland. plan. • For relief and recovery information • Use the Household Bushfire Self- • Continue to stay informed and monitor contact Banyule City Council (9490 4222), Assessment Tool to assess your property conditions. See Warnings and Alerts, the Victorian Bushfire Information Line risk level. page 6. or the Victorian Emergency Recovery • Stay aware of the Fire Danger Rating. • Be prepared to evacuate. See page 22. Information Line - 1300 799 232. LEAVING EARLY IS ALWAYS THE • Leaving early is always the safest • Contact your insurance company SAFEST OPTION. See page 7. option. Always follow advice provided immediately and take photos of damage. • Get a Fire Ready Kit, including Leaving by emergency services. If you have • Be aware of road hazards like debris and Early Bushfire Survival Planning lost this option due to imminent fire damaged roads, bridges and power lines. Template - www.cfa.vic.gov.au. threat, consider taking shelter in a well • Burnt buildings can leave potential • Attend a CFA Fire Ready Victoria briefing prepared home or move further away hazards such as asbestos, ashes in your local area. from the fire threat, e.g. further into (especially from treated timbers) and the urban area. • Prepare your property and household damaged electrical wiring. Follow YOUR SAFETY IS NOT GUARANTEED. considering family, livestock and pets - Department of Health advice to reduce go to: www.cfa.vic.gov.au. • If you have time, check your neighbours risk of injury and illness. are monitoring the situation. • Decide what important items you want to • For financial assistance to help ease take with you if you need to evacuate. • If you are suffering smoke exposure, the personal hardship call the Victorian seek medical advice or call Emergency Recovery Information Line - • Check you have adequate building and NURSE-ON-CALL 1300 606 024. 1300 799 232. contents insurance. • Contact a family member or friend and • Check on your neighbours and contact • Get to know your neighbours and those tell them what you plan to do now. family and friends to let them know you who may need extra help, e.g. those with are ok. a disability.

↑ BUSHFIRES HOUSE FIRES TO REPORT A FIRE DIAL 000 10

House fires can start and take hold within seconds, so it’s vital Basic treatment for burns to pay attention. Stay on the lookout for everyday risks, such as cooking left unattended or clothes left too close to a heater. • Cool the burn under running water for 20 minutes. On average, there are 4,500 house fires in Victoria per year and Never use oil, butter or ointment. most could be prevented by taking simple precautions. • Remove or cut clothing around the burn, unless it has stuck to the skin. • Cover the cooled burn with a lint free clean cloth or cling wrap SMOKE ALARMS and keep the patient warm. • See a doctor if the burn is blistered, larger than a 20 cent coin, EVERY 10 YEARS or on the face, hands, feet or genitals. All smoke alarms including those For major burns call 000 for an ambulance immediately. connected to mains electricity need to be replaced. Tips for preparing your home fire escape plan YEARLY • Identify the quickest, safest way to get out of the house from Change the battery in your smoke alarm every room, including upper floors. and gently dust around the outside cover. • Agree on a place to meet outside (letter box or nature strip) and practise evacuating. MONTHLY Press the test button on the smoke alarm For more information every month and wait for the beep, beep For more home fire safety advice visit: www.homefiresafety.com.au, www.mfb.vic.gov.au and beep. www.cfa.vic.gov.au. All Australian fire services recommend photoelectric smoke alarms. WHAT TO DO 11

BEFORE DURING AFTER

• Book a licensed gas-fitter to check your Stop, drop, cover and roll. • Contact your insurance company gas heater. • If your clothes catch fire - stop, drop, immediately and follow instructions. • Check chimneys, flues and fire boxes for cover your face with your hands and roll • Burnt homes can leave potential health cracks, rust and debris. to smother the flames. hazards such as asbestos, ashes • Check electric blankets for kinks in the • To help someone else, throw a woollen (especially from burnt treated timbers) wiring and appliances for visibly frayed or blanket over them to extinguish the and damaged electrical wiring. Follow damaged wiring. flames. Department of Health advice to reduce risk of injury and illness. • Clean the lint filter in your dryer (and Get down low and go go go! • After extended power failure (e.g. 4 hours continue to do this after each load). • In a fire, the safest area for breathing or more), consider food spoilage. • Have an appropriate fire extinguisher and is near the floor where the air is cooler See Power Failure – page 14. fire blanket near your cooking area. and cleaner, so remember to crawl low • For financial assistance to help ease • Check BBQ gas bottles to see if their test in smoke. personal hardship caused by an date is current. Check doors for heat before opening. emergency call the Victorian Emergency • Have working smoke alarms properly • Use the back of your hand to check for Recovery Information Line – 1300 799 232. installed in your home, including outside heat. • Contact family and friends and let them sleeping areas. • Close doors behind you if possible. If the know you’re ok. • Decide what important items you want to door is hot, use another exit. take with you if you needed to evacuate. • Get everyone out of the house as quickly • Have a home emergency plan and kit as possible. prepared. See page 4 – 5. Call the fire brigade – 000. • Practise your home fire escape plan • Call the fire brigade from a neighbour’s regularly. house, public or mobile phone and wait • Check you have adequate building and for them to arrive. contents insurance. • Never go back inside for any reason.

↑ HOUSE FIRES HEATWAVES NURSE-ON-CALL 1300 60 60 24 12

A heatwave is an extended period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and humid weather where heat related illness and death WARNINGS & ALERTS increase substantially. During the 20th century heatwaves have Chief Health Officer Heat Health Alert caused more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard. www.health.vic.gov.au/chiefhealthofficer/alerts/. Bureau of Meteorology People most at risk www.bom.gov.au. Anyone can suffer from heat related illness, but the people most Radio & TV at risk are: ABC 774 AM, 3AW 693 AM, Plenty Valley FM 88.6 FM and Sky • People over 65 years, particularly those living alone or without News TV. For a full list of broadcasters - air conditioning. www.firecommissioner.vic.gov.au. • Babies and young children. • Pregnant and nursing mothers. For more information • People who are physically unwell, especially with heart disease, For more information about heat related illness speak to your high blood pressure or lung disease. doctor or visit the Better Health Channel website • People on medications for mental illness. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. Common symptoms of heat stress • Deterioration in existing medical conditions. • Heat rash. • Heat cramps. • Dizziness and fainting. • Heat exhaustion - sweating, rapid heart rate, muscle cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or fainting. • Heat stroke – this is a medical emergency and requires urgent attention. WHAT TO DO 13

BEFORE DURING AFTER

• Get your home ready - draw your • Stay cool - Dress in light, loose clothing • Stay hydrated - keep drinking water, even curtains, blinds and awnings at the start and turn on cooling systems. If you don’t if you don’t feel thirsty. Check with your of the day to keep as much sun out of have a fan or air conditioning, spend the doctor if you are on limited fluids. your home. day in a shopping centre, library or other • Seek medical help immediately if you • Check your home cooling systems are cool public place. Use a cool damp cloth show any symptoms of heat stress working properly and have your air- or towel to keep you cool at night. including extremely heavy sweating, conditioner serviced, if necessary. • Regularly check on family, friends and headache and vomiting, confusion, • Look after your pets - ensure they have neighbours, particularly those most at risk. swollen tongue. plenty of shade and cool water to last the • Look for symptoms of heat stress. Seek • Check on your neighbours, family and entire day and regularly check on them. medical help immediately if you show friends and let them know you are ok. • Get to know your neighbours – establish any symptoms of heat stress, such as • Once the outside temperature has who in your neighbourhood is most at extremely heavy sweating, headache, dropped, open your windows to allow risk and may need extra help. vomiting, confusion and swollen tongue. cool air to circulate and cool your home. • Choose the coolest place in the house • Stay hydrated - keep drinking water, even for babies or young children to sleep and if you don’t feel thirsty. Check with your make sure the air can circulate around doctor if you are on limited fluids. Where to get help the bassinette or cot (remove any liners • Avoid the sun - avoid being out in the sun • In an emergency - call 000. or padding). for extended periods. If you have to be • Emergency department of your outside seek shade, wear sunscreen, a nearest hospital, e.g. Austin Hospital. shirt, hat and sunglasses. • Your doctor. DON’T LEAVE CHILDREN OR • NURSE ON CALL 1300 606 024. • Maternal and Child Health Line - PETS IN PARKED VEHICLES 132 229 (24 hours). FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME

↑ HEAT WAVES POWER FAILURE 14

An emergency, such as a severe storm, may last a day but your power can stay out for a week or more. An extended power outage FOOD SAFETY AFTER POWER FAILURE can mean shivering or sweating in the dark and in some cases, threaten your health and safety. The key to staying safe and • Try to keep cold and frozen food cold. Move food from the comfortable is preparing and knowing what to do when the lights fridge to the freezer. If food is still cold to touch, less than go out and stay out. 5°C, it is safe to use. • Once refrigerated or frozen food is no longer cold to touch, Who can help restore power? 5°C or above, it can be kept and eaten for up to 4 hours and Your electricity distribution company is responsible for the poles then it must be thrown away or, if it is raw meat, it should be and wires carrying electricity to your home and normally organises cooked and eaten. for the power to go back on. They can be contacted on the faults • Eat hot food within 4 hours of it being hot or throw it away. and emergencies number on your most recent electricity bill. • If power is restored when frozen food is still solid the food is safe to refreeze. • If power failure lasts more than 1 hour and there is bagged ice available, put it under food packages and trays stored in freezers and fridges. • Place an insulating blanket over cold or frozen food where possible. • Only open fridge and freezer doors when absolutely necessary as this will keep the food and air temperature colder for longer. For more advice on food safety contact Banyule Council’s Health Services Unit on 9490 4222. WHAT TO DO 15

BEFORE DURING AFTER

• If anyone uses electrically powered • Check your neighbour’s house to see if • Check all appliances that may have been life-support equipment or medical they have lost power. If your neighbour left on, e.g. lights, heaters, stove, central equipment, be sure to ask your doctor has power on, then check to see if your heating units, etc. about emergency battery backup safety switch has been tripped. • Assess your refrigerated and frozen food systems. • Contact your power distribution company stocks. • Prepare a home emergency plan and kit. to see if they know the reason and • Reset equipment affected by power See pages 4 – 5. expected outage time. failure. • Have your power distribution company’s • Use torches, where possible, rather than • Check on your neighbours. phone number available. candles or other open flames. • If your power has been cut because of • Regularly check the size and health of • Make sure appliances are turned off storm damage to your house, have a trees growing near to powerlines. If the because they could come back on when licensed electrician ensure it is safe tree is on your property call a qualified you are not there. before any other home repairs are tree clearing professional and if it’s in • In hot weather, stay cool and drink plenty carried out. the street, call Council to safely prune or of fluids to prevent heat-related illness. assess the tree. See pages 12 – 13. • Get to know your neighbours – establish • In cold weather, wear layers of clothing, who in your neighbourhood may need which help to keep in body heat. extra help, e.g. those with a disability. • Make sure you keep your food safe. • Make sure you and your family know See Food Safety After Power Failure where your safety switch is located. (above). • Check and offer support to neighbours and relatives, particularly those with special needs.

↑ POWER FAILURE FLOOD STORM 16 FLOODS EMERGENCY 132 500

Flooding can happen anywhere in Banyule and can be caused by more than just rain. Even if you don’t live near a river or creek, WARNINGS & ALERTS different types of flooding can still happen in your area from other Bureau of Meteorology causes. Banyule is particularly prone to flash flooding, which 1300 659 217 or www.bom.gov.au. can happen very quickly when lots of heavy rain falls over a short period of time. Such events occur more frequently in the summer Radio & TV - ABC 774 AM, 3AW 693 AM, Plenty Valley FM 88.6 FM months, with little warning. and Sky News TV. For a full list of broadcasters visit www.firecommissioner.vic.gov.au. FLASH FLOODS OCCUR WITH LITTLE OR VicEmergency website NO WARNING AND CAUSE MORE DAMAGE www.emergency.vic.gov.au. THAN ANY OTHER TYPE OF FLOODING Phone In extreme situations your landline or mobile phone may be used to deliver a critical warning. For more information visit - What are some of the possible effects www.emergencyalert.gov.au. of flooding? VICSES Information Line • Injury and loss of life. 1300 842 737. Only available during large-scale emergencies. • Damage to homes and businesses. • Damage to public transport, roads and community facilities. For more information • Clean-up costs for property owners. For more information visit www.ses.vic.gov.au or contact • Lost earnings because of disruption. the Victorian State Emergency Services Central Region Office: • Emotional suffering. 1800 045 939. • Loss of irreplaceable items. Never walk, play, ride or drive in floodwater! • Increased risk of disease. • Increase in respiratory problems from wet materials and mould growth. WHAT TO DO 17

BEFORE DURING AFTER

• Monitor weather conditions and listen to • Continue to monitor weather conditions • For emergency assistance due to flood radio or news bulletins for warnings and listen to the radio or news bulletins damage call the SES on 132 500 for help. and alerts. for warnings and alerts. See page 16. • Contact your insurance company • Maintain your roof. Clean gutters, • Bring pets inside and secure them immediately and take photos of damage. spouting and downpipes regularly, so they can’t escape or create havoc • Be aware of road hazards, such as fix loose tiles, roofing iron and ridge indoors. floodwater, debris and damaged roads capping. • Be prepared to evacuate if advised by or bridges. • Trim or remove trees or branches authorities. See page 22. • For relief and recovery information overhanging your home. • Raise belongings by placing them on contact Banyule City Council (9490 4222), • Keep your yard or porch free of clutter. tables, beds and benches, or move them the Victorian Emergency Recovery • Have a home emergency plan and kit to higher ground. Information Line (1300 799 232) or visit prepared. See pages 4 – 5. • Block toilets, household drains and sinks www.recovery.vic.gov.au. • Check you have adequate building and with plugs to stop sewage backflow. • Dispose of food and medicines that contents insurance. • Tie down objects likely to float and were in contact with flood water. • Ensure everyone knows where, how and cause damage. Raise poisons, oils and • Dry out and clean buildings straight when to turn off mains power, water chemicals well above floor level. away. Follow Department of Health and gas in case of emergency and • Turn electricity and gas off at the mains. advice to reduce mould growth and mosquito breeding. Go to evacuation. • Wear protective clothing such as strong www.health.vic.gov.au/emergency. • Ensure your house number is visible boots and gloves as flood water is likely from the street. to be contaminated. • Flooding may cause sewage to overflow into your home. Contaminated areas • Get to know your neighbours – establish • Check and offer support to neighbours must be disinfected. Keep children and who in your neighbourhood may need and relatives, particularly those with pets away until clean-up is completed. extra help, e.g. those with a disability. special needs. • Contact family and friends to let them know you are ok.

↑ FLOODS FLOOD STORM 18 SEVERE STORMS EMERGENCY 132 500

Severe storms can occur in Banyule and do so more frequently than any other major natural hazard. Although severe storms WARNINGS & ALERTS can occur at any time, they are most common from October to Bureau of Meteorology April. Severe storms can cause damage from lightening, hail, 1300 659 217 or www.bom.gov.au. thunderstorms, strong winds, tornadoes, heavy rain and flash flooding. Radio & TV - ABC 774 AM, 3AW 693 AM, Plenty Valley FM 88.6 FM and Sky News TV. For a full list of broadcasters visit What are some of the possible effects of www.firecommissioner.vic.gov.au. severe storms? Phone In extreme situations your landline or mobile phone may be • Injury and loss of life. used to deliver a critical warning. For more information visit - • Damage to homes and businesses. www.emergencyalert.gov.au. • Damage to public transport, roads and community facilities. VICSES Information Line • Clean-up costs for property owners. 1300 842 737. Only available during large-scale emergencies. • Lost earnings because of the disruption. • Emotional suffering. For more information • Loss of irreplaceable items. For more information visit www.ses.vic.gov.au or contact the Victorian State Emergency Services on 1800 045 939. EACH YEAR IN AUSTRALIA SEVERAL PEOPLE DIE AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE IS CAUSED BECAUSE OF SEVERE STORMS WHAT TO DO 19

BEFORE DURING AFTER

• Monitor weather conditions and listen to • Continue to monitor weather conditions • For emergency assistance due to storm radio or news bulletins for updates and and listen to the radio or news bulletins damage (e.g. roof blown off) call the SES warnings. for warnings and alerts. See page 18. for help on 132 500. • Maintain your roof. Clean gutters, • Stay indoors and away from windows. • For relief and recovery information spouting and downpipes regularly, • Bring children and pets indoors. Secure contact Banyule City Council (9490 4222), fix loose tiles, roofing iron and ridge pets so they can’t escape or create havoc the Victorian Emergency Recovery capping. indoors. Information Line (1300 799 232) or visit www.recovery.vic.gov.au. • Trim or remove trees or branches • Take extreme care when driving. Beware overhanging your home. Inspect and fix of fallen trees and power lines. • Check your home and property for fences. damage. • Lightning can be deadly. Avoid using the • Keep your yard or porch free of clutter. telephone and if outdoors seek shelter • Contact your insurance company • Have an emergency plan and kit but never shelter under a tree. immediately and take photos of damage. prepared. See pages 4 – 5. • Power blackouts can happen during • Be aware of road hazards, such as • Check you have adequate building and storms. Turn off and unplug all non- floodwater, debris and damaged roads contents insurance. essential electrical items, e.g. TV, air or bridges. Do not drive through affected areas unless it is necessary. • Ensure your house number is visible conditioner. from the street. • Put vehicles under solid cover well away • After extended power failure (e.g. 4 hours or more), consider food spoilage. See • Ensure everyone knows where, how from trees, power lines and waterways. Power Failure – page 14. and when to turn off the main power, • Use a torch instead of candles. • Check on your neighbours and contact water and gas in case of emergency and • Check and offer support to neighbours family and friends to let them know you evacuation. and relatives, particularly those with are ok. • Get to know your neighbours – establish special needs. who in your neighbourhood may need extra help, e.g. those with a disability.

↑ SEVERE STORMS INFECTIOUS DISEASES 20

Banyule residents are susceptible to public health emergencies caused by infectious diseases with the potential to kill or cause Influenza (flu) life threatening illnesses for thousands or millions of people Seasonal influenza strikes every year. Older people, pregnant worldwide. These threats can occur locally, such as outbreaks women and those with an underlying medical condition of measles and pertussis (whooping cough) or be widespread, are more likely to develop serious complications because such as an influenza pandemic. of the flu. Complications can include secondary bacterial pneumonia, primary influenza pneumonia and inflammation Immunisation of the brain and heart. Immunisation can prevent many infectious diseases in children Symptoms and adults. Vaccines are available for a range of conditions and infectious diseases like flu, measles and hepatitis. Vaccines are Generally, flu symptoms develop one to three days after available from your doctor and Banyule City Council (excluding infection and include: travel vaccines). To locate your nearest public immunisation • High fever, chills and sweating, sessions, contact Banyule City Council on 9490 4222. • Sore throat, THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT HEALTH • Weakness, INITIATIVE NEXT TO CLEAN WATER IN • Headache, PREVENTING DISEASES IS IMMUNISATION • General muscle and joint pains (in the legs and back), • A non-productive, dry cough that can later become more severe and productive. For more information Influenza viruses change every year, therefore the best way to For more information about immunisation and infectious diseases prevent influenza is to practise good hygiene and by getting speak to your doctor or visit the Better Health Channel website at the flu vaccination each year. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. THE FLU IS MORE THAN JUST A COLD! INFLUENZA (FLU) WHAT TO DO 21

BEFORE DURING AFTER

• Have your annual flu vaccine, preferably • Have good personal hygiene. • Have your annual flu vaccine, preferably between March and May (before the • Clean surfaces. If a member of your between March and May (before the onset of the flu season). household has the flu, you should onset of the flu season). • Have good personal hygiene. regularly clean surfaces, such as tables, • Have good personal hygiene. benches, fridge and door knobs. Good personal hygiene • Don’t share personal items, e.g. eating Where to get help and drinking utensils. is vital to help stop the The recommended treatment for mild or • In an emergency – call 000. spread of flu moderate flu is to: • Emergency department of your 1. Cover your nose and mouth with a • Stay in bed and rest until your body nearest hospital, e.g. Austin Hospital. tissue when you cough or sneeze. temperature has been in the normal • Your doctor. range for 48 hours. 2. Throw your tissue in a plastic-lined • NURSE ON CALL 1300 606 024. • Drink enough fluids. rubbish bin after use. • Maternal and Child Health Line - 3. Wash your hands with soap and water • Take paracetamol to control fever, aches 13 22 29 (24 hours). and pains (adults can use aspirin). Early or an alcohol-based hand cleaner • Banyule Council Immunisation Service use of antiviral medication may shorten after you cough or sneeze. – 9490 4222. the length and severity of illness. Discuss 4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or treatment with your doctor. • Immunisation Program, Department mouth as germs spread this way. of Health – 1300 882 008. • Avoid exposure to dust, alcohol, fumes 5. Don’t go to work if you are unwell and and tobacco smoke as much as possible. don’t send your children to school or childcare if they are unwell. • Consult your doctor if you develop further symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing, coughing up green or yellow phlegm (mucous) or severe headache.

↑ INFECTIOUS DISEASES COMMUNITY EVACUATION INFORMATION 22

Victoria Police is responsible for co-ordinating an evacuation, What do I do when I am advised to evacuate? which will only be recommended if it can be done safely and there Follow ALL directions and instructions from emergency services. is an imminent threat to you. If time permits, secure your premises and collect any valuables, including your emergency kit (see page 5). How will I know when to evacuate? In fast-moving emergencies you may not receive a warning or What do I do about my animals? a recommendation to evacuate. If you do, you may receive an You need to pre-plan for pets and livestock in the event emergency warning from a number of sources, such as: of an emergency. Leave early with your pet emergency kit • telephone emergency alert (fixed line and sms), (see www.depi.vic.gov.au). • emergency broadcasters (radio and television), What if I require assistance to evacuate? • emergency service websites, If you require assistance to evacuate take this into account as part • door knocking, of your planning. If you do not have transport to leave the area, have an alternative plan in place, such as leaving with neighbours • police vehicle loudspeaker. or arranging for family to help you. For more information, refer to the Warnings & Alerts information provided in this Guide. Where should I go? You should go to the safe location advised in the warning. Once The presence of police or other emergency you have evacuated to the safe location (such as an emergency relief centre) you may be required to register your personal services during an evacuation cannot always information. See page 23 - Register.Find.Reunite for registration be guaranteed details. DO NOT RETURN UNTIL YOU ARE ADVISED THAT IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.

Where can I find out about relief and recovery assistance? For relief and recovery advice, as well as emergency relief centre locations, you can contact Banyule City Council (9490 4222), the

Victorian Emergency Recovery Information Line (1300 799 232) or visit www.recovery.vic.gov.au. IMPORTANT INFORMATION 23

Register.Find.Reunite BASIC FIRST AID - DRSABCD What is Register.Find.Reunite? If you find a person unconscious, it is important to take action Register.Find.Reunite. is a voluntary registration and enquiry immediately. Your approach should always be the same – service, managed by Red Cross, for people impacted by a major DRSABCD. emergency. It registers, finds and reunites family, friends and loved ones through a computer based filing and retrieval system. D DANGER: Ensure the area is safe for yourself, others and the patient. Register an enquiry People can register and enquire about their loved ones using the R RESPONSE: Check for response - ask name and squeeze following methods: shoulders. • Online - www.redcross.org.au. No response - send for help. • By phone - a hotline will be promoted via media during an Response - make comfortable and check for injuries. emergency. • In person - at a local emergency relief centre. S SEND FOR HELP: Call 000 for an ambulance. People registering with the service can choose whether A AIRWAY: Open mouth. If foreign material is present, place information about their whereabouts is made available to their in recovery position and clear airways with your fingers. family, friends and loved ones. People concerned about the safety Open airways by tilting head with a chin lift. of their family in emergency-affected areas can make an enquiry by providing information about the people affected. B BREATHING: Check for breathing - look, listen and feel. C CPR: Start CPR - 30 chest compressions (2 per second), followed by 2 breaths. Continue CPR until help arrives or patient recovers.

D DEFIBRILLATION: Attach defibrillator (if available) as soon as possible and follow voice prompts.

↑ IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE BANYULE CITY COUNCIL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM 9490 4222 [email protected] www.banyule.vic.gov.au