Plan ahead to keep your loved ones safe

Published on 14 September 2022

You can handle an emergency better if you stay prepared.

That’s the message for Corangamite Shire residents as Council encourages the community to think about how they will respond to fires, floods or other emergencies.

‘The First 72 Hours’ is a program to help community members prepare and respond to emergencies.

“An emergency can happen unexpectedly, leaving little time for people to prepare,” Mayor Ruth Gstrein said.

“During a large emergency, it can take some time before help arrives, particularly if roads and communications are cut.

“People may need to go for days without necessities such as power, water, gas, phone reception or the ability to buy food. Some might have to evacuate and find a safe route to a secure place where they can wait things out.

“This region is no stranger to fires and floods but being ready to move quickly if needed takes preparation and a clear plan. The first 72 hours is a critical period for responding to an emergency.”

‘The First 72 Hours’ calls on residents to plan how they will care for themselves and their family for at least three days until external help arrives.

Municipal Emergency Management Officer Natalia Titisari encouraged Shire residents to think about likely risks where they live then make a plan.

“Because an emergency can happen at any time, you need to have an idea what to do in different situations,” Ms Titisari said.

“You might be at home or at work. You might have children at school or elderly or sick relatives who will need help.

“It’s also important to prepare a kit with things like a torch, a radio, snacks and drinking water. If the power goes out you can’t rely on your phone battery for three days without recharging.”

Ms Titisari also recommended storing medical and financial records, contact lists, insurance policies and other important documents digitally in case hard copies were destroyed.

“When they happen, emergencies can be overwhelming. Make sure you know official trustworthy channels so you can stay well informed during and after an emergency.”

Following recent information pop-ups in Terang and Camperdown, residents are invited to the sessions below where they can meet Council’s emergency team and learn how to prepare for an emergency.

• Cobden: Tuesday 20 September, 1 - 4 pm
  outside the post office, 21 Curdie Street
• Lismore: Wednesday 21 September, 12 - 3 pm
  outside Food Works, 35 Heriot St Lismore
• Simpson: Wednesday 28 September, 9:30 am - 12 pm
  outside the Post Office, 1 Barramul Street
• Skipton: Saturday 8 October, 9 am - 1 pm
  community market, Mechanics Hall, 35/43 Wright Street
• Port Campbell: Friday 14 October, 1 - 4 pm
  Shire Office (former Alcove Café), 34 Lord Street
  Postponed due to flood alert in Skipton. New date TBC.

• Timboon: Wednesday 26 October,   10 am - 12:30 pm
  outside the IGA, 27 Main Street