Accessing information during an emergency
The following services can help you access information during an emergency:
Key emergency contacts list
If you're in immediate danger, always call 000.
Emergency response agencies
Council
Utilities, report fault or outage
Roads
Pollution
Health advice
Bushfires, floods and storms can pose a threat to you and your property. Being prepared with a well thought out and practiced plan is critical.
In the event of an emergency, it is highly unlikely that anyone will come knocking on your door to help. Emergency services are often stretched to the limit and cannot help everyone. You need to be prepared so you can increase your chance of survival.
The Australian Red Cross has been supporting people during times of disaster for many years, for information on how to prepare yourself and your family for an emergency, visit the Australian Red Cross emergency preparation website.
The Australian Red Cross developed a wellbeing toolkit and information on stress and some practical tips on managing your stress levels.
Go to our Fire Ready page for information on how to prepare yourself and your family for fires.
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Flash flooding is most likely to occur between December and February in the Surf Coast Shire. For information about preparing for floods and storms see the SES website.
If you experience road related drainage issues, call us on 5261 0600. Major roads such as the Great Ocean Road are managed by Regional Roads Victoria who can be contacted on 133 RRV (133 778), or go to the VicTraffic website for up-to-date information on road closures and traffic diversion.
For more information on the areas of our municipality that are at risk of flooding and how to find out if your property may be impacted by flood waters, go to our Flooding page under the Property tab.
The government's Better Health Channel has more information about flood emergencies.
Painkalac Creek Estuary
Surf Coast Shire Council has a permit to allow us to artificially open the Painkalac Creek in Aireys Inlet to reduce the risk of flooding. For more information go to our Painkalac Creek flood information page.
A heatwave is a period of unusual and uncomfortable hot weather that could impact human health, community infrastructure (such as the power supply and public transport), and services. Heatwaves can affect anybody and cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke which may be fatal. The most important things to remember are to:
- keep cool
- drink plenty of water
- stay out of the sun
- look after yourself and others
The government's Better Health Channel has more information on surviving the heat.
As part of your bushfire and heatwave planning you need to think ahead about the places you will go to on Severe, Extreme or Code Red fire danger days or even during heatwave alerts. If you live in a bushfire prone area, part of your plan should be to pack up your family and pets and leave early. You may need to stay a night in a hotel or caravan park in a safer area, or you may have family or friends you can visit for the day. Here are some ideas of other things you could do:
Beaches
- Geelong, Eastern Beach and Geelong Waterfront
- Torquay, Cosy Corner and surf beach
- Torquay, Whites Beach
Cinemas
Community Houses
Libraries
Swimming pools
Shopping Centres
Other places